Politics & Government

MADD Applauds 'Legislative Champions'

The group thanks those who have worked to stop drunken driving.

The following was provided by MADD:

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) today announced its “2013 Legislative Champions” and recognized Senator John Rafferty (R-44th District) and Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-32nd District) their leadership within the Pennsylvania General Assembly to stop drunk driving. 

“MADD thanks Senator Rafferty and Representative DeLuca for authoring lifesaving DUI reform measures. MADD appreciates their tireless work and commitment to advancing MADD’s mission in Pennsylvania by promoting effective DUI countermeasures like ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers,” said MADD National President Jan Withers. 

In 2013, Senator John Rafferty authored S 1036 requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. Representative Anthony DeLuca authored H 1810 requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. The legislation is pending in the Senate and House Transportation Committees. 

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“Countless Pennsylvania families have suffered the devastating consequences of a drunk driver. SB 1036 is a common sense proposal aimed at keeping drunk drivers off of our streets and reducing repeat offenses,” said Senator John Rafferty. 

“I applaud MADD’s efforts to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road,” said Representative Anthony M. DeLuca. “This type of legislation, requiring ignition interlocks for first time offenders, will help curb the incidence of drunk driving in Pennsylvania, make our roadways safer and prevent unnecessary fatalities caused by drunk drivers. I look forward to working with MADD and Senator Rafferty to advance this legislation.”

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A cornerstone of MADD’s advocacy efforts across the Nation originates from the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® that was launched in 2006. A key component of the Campaign calls for enacting legislation like S 1036 and H 1810. 

Prior to the Campaign, only one state, New Mexico, required ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. Today, 20 states require or highly incentivize the use of ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. Currently, ignition interlocks are required for all repeat offenders in Pennsylvania. 

“MADD applauds and is grateful to these lawmakers for authoring legislation improving Pennsylvania’s drunk driving law. MADD looks forward to advocating for these measures to requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers who wish to operate a vehicle during a license suspension period,” added MADD Pennsylvania Victim Services Specialist Linda Sposato.

An interlock is more effective than license suspension alone, as 50 to 75 percent of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license. Ignition interlocks are effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses by 67 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

For more information on ignition interlocks, please visit madd.org/interlock.


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