Too Drunk??

In Saturday's Washington Post there was an article about the DADSS (Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety) and the potential technologies that NHTSA and the
Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS) are looking into. Check it out at the link above...

Basically, two types of technologies are being explored to find out if they will work accurately, reliably and not hassle those of us who never drive drunk. These technologies might include a set of sensors in the car that would detect if you were at a .08 BAC+ in less than a SECOND! If you were, your car would not be drivable. It is also important to point out that these devices must aim to function without maintenance for at least 10 years and be inexpensive.

Rob Strassburger of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said it best: "We want the public to understand the need (for this potentially lifesaving equipment)and how they benefit."

We've all got to spread the word and let the public know that this potential technology is a very good thing and has the potential to save over 8,000...8,000 lives! We need Congress to put about $12M/per year into this. That is cheap compared to the cost of drunk driving currently. If you get a minute, please go to www.madd.org and take action by asking your member of Congress to support the ROADS SAFE act.

Safer Roads Free From Drunk Driving

It is good that there are champions on Capitol Hill to ensure the vision of a world free from drunk driving comes to life. This from today's MADD press release:

"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is proud to support Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) with the introduction of their legislation, the Research of Alcohol Detection Systems for Stopping Alcohol-related Fatalities Everywhere (ROADS SAFE) Act. The ROADS SAFE Act would provide reasonable funding for the research and development of vehicle technologies to end drunk driving."

It was just three years ago that MADD introduced The Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving and now another major milestone is set in motion to fund the future technology that will make this possible.

Congratulations to Sens. Udall and Corker for their commitment to safer roads across America.

Highway Deaths Down to 1961 Levels Highlighting Importance of Advanced Technology to Eliminate Drunk Driving

Yesterday, the National Highway Traffic Administration released a preliminary report of 2008 motor vehicle deaths. The report shows that 37,313 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year - a 9.1 percent drop from the year before, when 41,059 died and the fewest since 1961, when there were 36,285 deaths.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers issued a press release stating that the lower numbers underscore why automakers and policymakers need to continue pushing for "sound data and engineering innovation to advance sustainable, safe mobility."

In its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, MADD likewise supports the creation of advanced, in-vehicle technology in order to make drunk driving literally impossible one day.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

During the month dedicated to discussion about the serious issue of alcohol dependence and abuse in the United States, MADD would like to raise awareness for its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving which aims to eradicate this violent crime once and for all through the following programs:

• High visibility law enforcement
• Ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers
• Advanced vehicle technology
• Grassroots support

Do your part to help make your community safer.

• Take the Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving.
• Contact your lawmakers and urge them to require alcohol ignition interlock for all convicted DUI offenders.
• Make a donation in support of MADD’s lifesaving mission.