MADD Supports Actions to Advance IN-VEHICLE Alcohol Detection Research Program

--Second Phase of Research Marks a Major Milestone in MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving--

WASHINGTON--Nov. 1, 2011: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) today noted two significant developments in the national effort to eliminate drunk driving -- an announcement by the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) program regarding the beginning of the second phase of research to develop technology that will prevent a drunk driver (at or above .08 blood alcohol concentration) from driving a vehicle, and Senate consideration of legislation to substantially increase funding for the research and development of this lifesaving technology. This in-vehicle alcohol detection research program to turn cars into the cure for drunk driving is a cornerstone of MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving , which will mark its fifth anniversary later this month.

"On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of drunk driving victims we represent, MADD thanks the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the automakers who are moving forward on this important research activity," said MADD National President Jan Withers. "We applaud the efforts of Senators Patty Murray and Susan Collins for their leadership in including this program in the legislation to fund NHTSA in the upcoming fiscal year."

Today, the Senate is scheduled to consider legislation, which includes $6 million for the advanced alcohol detection research program known as DADSS. This is an increase of $5 million from the current fiscal year, with the additional funding transferred from unused seat belt law incentive grants.

Also today, the DADSS program announced the start of Phase II research, which will produce a drivable test vehicle in two years. DADSS is the result of a cooperative agreement between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety. The goal of the program is the development of a publicly accepted technology, which operates seamlessly in preventing a drunk driver from getting on the road. With full implementation, the technology holds the promise of saving an estimated 8,000 lives each year.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nation's largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking. With the help of those who want a safer future, MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving will end this danger on America's roads. PowerTalk 21 is the national day for parents to talk with their kids about alcohol, using the proven strategies of Power of Parents, It's Your Influence to reduce the risk of underage drinking. And as one of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every nine minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP.