Ignition interlocks have stopped 60,000 drunk driving attempts in Kansas
02/03/2017
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TOPEKA, KANSAS (February 3, 2017) — Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) urges the Kansas Senate Judiciary Committee to vote against SB123. SB123 would destroy the lifesaving ignition interlock law established in Kansas in July 2011. Since that time, interlocks have stopped 60,000 attempts to drive drunk with an illegal blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving deaths have also dropped in Kansas, thanks in part to the interlock law, by 37 percent.
“SB123 needlessly puts drivers in a never-ending spiral of license suspension in lieu of installing an ignition interlock on their vehicle. Our progress in the fight to eliminate drunk driving in Kansas is significant,” said Chris Mann, MADD Nationa Board of Directors and MADD Kansas volunteer. “Through MADD’s work with lawmakers and law enforcement, we are making Kansas roads safer for everyone. MADD urges lawmakers to vote against this senseless legislation.”
This year’s attempt by Senator Haley with SB123, would require a license suspension instead of an ignition interlock device for drunk drivers. “This legislation would reverse six years of progress against drunk driving and will cause more fatalities on Kansas roadways,” says Mann, “
It is time to ask the bill sponsor, Senator Haley, “Why do you want to eliminate the Ignition Interlock DUI program in Kansas?” (Contact Sen Haley at 785-296-7376 or email at [email protected])
Throughout the nation, all-offender interlock laws have proven to be instrumental in cutting the number of drunk driving crashes, injuries and fatalities. Research indicates that requiring an ignition interlock for all drunk driving offenders reduces repeat offenses by two-thirds and significantly cuts the number of drunk driving deaths. The law requires a DUI offender to install an ignition interlock, or in-car breathalyzer device. The driver must blow into the device to prove he/she is sober before the car will start.
“Kansas is an excellent example of how high-visibility law enforcement activities, coupled with laws requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, are saving lives. An all-offender ignition interlock mandate keeps Kansas streets, roads and highways safer for law-abiding citizens,” said Mann, “Lawmakers must allow more lives to be saved by voting against the senseless and reckless legislation proposed by SB123.”
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 340,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
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