Issues: Drunk Driving

The Traffic Injury Research Foundation USA Inc. (TIRF) has released an extensive report that shows ignition interlock use in the United States increased by nearly 10,000 in one year. The report found that 337,030 ignition interlocks were in use as of August 31, 2016, up from 328,743 the previous year.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) applauds the Oklahoma Legislature for passing lifesaving drunk driving legislation today, creating an all-offender ignition interlock law that will save lives and prevent injuries caused by repeat drunk driving. If SB 643, authored by Senator Kim David, is signed into law by Governor Mary Fallin, Oklahoma will become the 29th state to require ignition interlocks as a condition of driving after a drunk driving offense.

“MADD is devastated that an alleged drunk driver killed one and injured four other children, Thursday night in Polk County Florida, while they were walking home from a bus stop. We are enraged that the alleged offender fled the scene after committing this horrific crime. This was a senseless death and injuries caused by a violent and 100 percent preventable crime. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of all those impacted.

Tragedies like these are the reason MADD will be in Tallahassee on Monday to call on the Senate Appropriations Committee to improve Florida’s drunk driving law and make sure all drunk drivers are prevented from repeating their crime by using an ignition interlock.”

Dallas, Texas – St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration in which people across the nation enjoy festivities, which usually include alcohol. However, accompanying the fun and colorful celebrations is a dark truth: St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most dangerous holidays in the United States. In 2015, 20 people (21 percent of all traffic fatalities) were killed in drunk driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period.