Man arrested for DWI hours after DWI sentencing

In Texas, a man was arrested for a DWI just hours after he was sentenced for his first DWI. No shock there. Texas is one of the worst states in the country for drunk driving.

The Texas legislature is currently considering legislation that would require ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers. Opponents (namely the American Beverage Institute, a trade association for America's restaurant industry) argue that the penalty is too stiff for first time offenders and that legislators instead should focus on "hard-core drunk drivers." Yet, studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses.

In this case, a first-time offender became a repeat offender in a matter of hours. So are ignition interlocks "too harsh" or just plain common sense?

Texas woman arrested in hit and run on probation for DWI

The Beaumont Enterprise is reporting that a Texas woman arrested in a suspected hit and run was actually on probation for previous DWI.

This is why Texas needs ignition interlocks. While the technology is there, not enough judges are using it. The good news is that Texas legislators can change that.

There are several bills pending in the Texas legislature that would mandate ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. Send a letter to vote in favor of this bill.

Wisconsin Man Faces 7th DUI After Girl Falls From Truck

A Madison man has been arrested on tentative charges of seventh-offense drunken driving after a 13-year-old girl fell out of the passenger door of his pickup truck. Read the story on MSNBC.com.

• In 2007, 313 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in Wisconsin.

People continue to drive drunk because they can. Studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses.

Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

Sign the Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving in Wisconsin.

Prominent Hollywood Financier Arrested for Drunk Driving While on Probation for Earlier DUI Conviction

According to an article in The New York Times, Ryan Kavanaugh, one of Hollywood’s most prominent film financiers, was arrested for drunk driving, speeding and driving with a suspended license in October while still on probation for an earlier conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.

MADD's recently released State Progress Report revealed:

• California families share the road with 310,971 drunk drivers with three or more DUI convictions
• More than 44,200 of those drivers have five or more DUI convictions

Research shows that alcohol ignition interlocks on the vehicles of all convicted drunk drivers significantly reduces deaths and injuries due to drunk driving -- an average of 64 percent reduction in repeat offenses.

In 2009, MADD will work with California lawmakers to reintroduce legislation mandating interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders. Contact your state lawmakers and tell them you support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

MADD Joins Senate Leaders and Victims' Families in New Jersey to Call for Lifesaving Ignition Interlocks for ALL Convicted Drunk Drivers

MADD national president Laura Dean-Mooney joined New Jersey State Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Northfield) and Assemblyman Eric Munoz, M.D. (R-Summit) in support of lifesaving legislation, S 1926 and companion bill A 3073, that would require all convicted drunk drivers to install alcohol ignition interlocks in their vehicle. The bill – “Ricci’s Law” – is named for Ricci Branca, a 17-year-old killed by a drunk driver in a hit-and-run in 2006.

Learn more about the efforts to stop repeat drunk drivers in New Jersey.

Take Action!
Urge your lawmakers to support ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders