MADD Joins Representative Staskunas in Support of Lifesaving Alcohol Ignition Interlock Legislation

Groundbreaking Legislation Will Strengthen Wisconsin's Drunk Driving Laws

MADISON, Wis., June 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) joined state Rep. Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis) Thursday to announce a critical piece of anti-drunk driving legislation. Sponsored by Rep. Staskunas, the bill requires convicted drunk drivers to install an alcohol ignition interlock on their vehicles as a condition of probation. This proven technology would be required for everyone with a previous drunk driving conviction and for anyone convicted of driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .16 or above.

"Drunk driving is a serious threat to the safety and well-being of everyone in Wisconsin - a threat that this legislation requiring interlocks for convicted drunk drivers will significantly reduce," Representative Staskunas said. "By stopping these drivers from re-committing their crimes, we'll be saving lives and preventing countless injuries."

In 2006, 305 people were killed in drunk driving crashes - 42 percent of all traffic fatalities - and more than 5,600 people were injured in alcohol-related crashes. Equally sobering statistics indicate the average BAC of drunk drivers in Wisconsin is a staggering .17 - more than twice the legal limit of .08.

"Wisconsin has the regrettable distinction of being ranked as the worst state in the country when it comes to the number of drunk driving fatalities," Kari Kinnard, executive director of MADD Wisconsin, said. "We need to continue treating this serious crime as a fully preventable one - the technology and resources to save lives in Wisconsin exist and need to be put to full use."

The alcohol ignition interlock, a breath test device linked to a vehicle's ignition system, is up to 90 percent effective in preventing repeat offenses by convicted drunk drivers while installed on the vehicle. When a driver wishes to start his or her vehicle, he or she must first blow into the device, but the vehicle will not start if the driver has alcohol in his or her system. Current Wisconsin law does not require interlocks for convicted drunk drivers, but judges have the option to require interlocks upon a second OWI offense.

Studies estimate that 50 to 75 percent of drunk drivers whose licenses are suspended continue to drive. And research shows that those convicted of drunk driving for the first time have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest. This is why alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, even those facing their first conviction, is one of the four elements of MADD Wisconsin's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

To raise awareness and rally support from citizens, MADD Wisconsin recently launched a petition calling on state lawmakers to strengthen penalties for all convicted drunk drivers. The petition - http://support.madd.org/pledgeWI .

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.