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MADD Applauds Nebraska Legislature for Approving Lifesaving Drunk Driving Measure

LINCOLN, Neb., Apr. 08 /PRNewswire/ --

Law Will Expand Use of Alcohol Ignition Interlocks for All Convicted Drunk Drivers

LINCOLN, Neb., April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the state Legislature passed key legislation that will save lives and make Nebraska roadways safer. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) applauded the Legislature's unanimous vote to give final approval to Legislative Bill 736, which expands current interlock legislation to require the installation of an alcohol ignition interlock device for both a first and second drunk driving conviction. LB 736 now goes to Republican Gov. Dave Heineman's desk, who has expressed support for traffic safety initiatives.

"Alcohol ignition interlocks are essential to eliminating drunk driving in Nebraska," Simera Reynolds, executive director of MADD Nebraska, said. "This bill comes at a time when one person dies every four days and another person is injured every three hours due to an alcohol-related crash in Nebraska. MADD sincerely thanks our lawmakers for passing a bill that can save lives and stop convicted offenders from driving drunk on our roadways."

Nebraska joins other states taking the lead, including Washington and West Virginia, which have passed similar laws this year to require alcohol ignition interlocks for drunk drivers.

MADD recognizes a number of Nebraska lawmakers for their efforts in sponsoring and supporting LB 736. Sen. Tony Fulton (Lincoln) sponsored the legislation and his leadership in support of this bill was essential to its passage. In addition, Sen. Tom Carlson (Holdrege), who designated LB 736 as his priority bill was an invaluable supporter who contributed to the passage of this lifesaving legislation.

Interlocks are used as a condition of probation for drunk driving offenders after their driver's licenses have been reinstated. An alcohol ignition interlock is a breath test device linked to a vehicle's ignition system. When a convicted drunk driver wishes to start his or her vehicle, he or she must first blow into the device, and the vehicle will not start unless the driver's alcohol level is below the predetermined limit. Studies have shown the devices are up to 90 percent effective in keeping both first-time and repeat offenders from recommitting the crime, as long as the interlock is installed on the vehicle.

Research shows that first-time offenders arrested for drunk driving have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest. Two-thirds of those whose licenses are suspended for drunk driving drive anyway. It is estimated that nationally only one in eight convicted drunk drivers each year currently get an alcohol ignition interlock device, and most of those are repeat offenders.

"By passing this legislation, Nebraska has taken a major step to implement a proven solution to prevent deaths and injuries due to drunk driving," said Glynn Birch, national president of MADD. "We know the technology works - it can save thousands of lives, but also gives offenders the ability to drive without endangering the public, which allows them to reintegrate into their lives more rapidly and effectively."

MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501 (c) (3) charity with 2 million members and supporters nationwide. Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 330,000 lives. For more information, visit www.madd.org.