Des Moines, IA (February 18, 2015) – Mothers Against Drunk Driving will testify in support of HF 186 by Representative Sandy Salmon, which requires ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. A House Judiciary Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on this legislation at noon on Thursday, February 19, at the State Capitol.
"As a drunk driving victim and MADD volunteer, I call on the House Judiciary Subcommittee members Jones, Branhagen, and Olson to advance HF 186," said MADD Iowa Volunteer Linda Chapman. "My daughter and her friend were killed almost 11 years ago by a repeat offender drunk driver. If he had an interlock device on his 3/4 ton pickup truck, I firmly believe both of these young people would be alive today."
Ignition interlock legislation is MADD's number one legislative priority across the country and in Iowa. Due in part to similar laws passed in other states, drunk driving deaths have declined dramatically and at a better pace compared to the national average decline. New Mexico and Arizona have seen a 40 percent and 45 percent reduction, respectively, in drunk driving deaths since passing all-offender interlock laws.
"Interlocks save lives. They allow convicted drunk drivers to continue with their daily lives as long as they don't drive drunk," said MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church, a victim of drunk and drugged driving. "We urge Iowa to join the growing list of states that recognize the effectiveness of interlocks for all offenders."
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, ignition interlocks are effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses by 67 percent. Since 1995 in Iowa, these devices have been required for all first-time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration of .10 or greater. HF 186 would modify the requirement of ignition interlocks to include all first-time offenders with a BAC of .08 or greater who seek driving privileges following a DUI conviction.
Twenty-four states, including Nebraska, Illinois and Missouri, require these devices for all first-time convicted drunk drivers. New Jersey will become the 25th state if Governor Christie signs a bill that passed the legislature earlier this month.
HF 186 follows the recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board and every major traffic safety organization, including AAA and the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Frank Harris, MADD Director of State Government Affairs, will testify at the House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on Thursday.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is celebrating its 35th anniversary by creating a future of NO MORE VICTIMSTM. MADD is the nation's largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every ten minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP. MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® will end drunk driving through increased law enforcement, all offender ignition interlock laws and advanced vehicle technology. PowerTalk 21® is the national day for parents to talk with their teens about alcohol, using Power of Parents®' proven approach to reduce underage drinking. Learn more by visiting MADD's new website at madd.org or calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.
