Momentum for Mandatory Ignition Interlocks for All Convicted DUI Offenders in N.J.
MADD New Jersey Executive Director Testifies Before the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee in Support of "Ricci’s Law"
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Ricci Branca's family gathered at the July 2008 event announcing the proposal of an ignition interlock bill in New Jersey.
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Mindy Lazar, Executive Director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving New Jersey testified before the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee today to urge the members to vote in favor of Assembly Bill 3073 – “Ricci’s Law” – named for 17-year-old Ricci Branca, who was killed by a drunk driver in a hit and run in 2006.
The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Eric Munoz and cosponsored by Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano, Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., Gordon M. Johnson and Peter J. Biondi, will ensure that all persons convicted of DUI in the state drive with an ignition interlock.
- In 2007,199 people were killed on New Jersey roadways in drunk driving crashes. (NHTSA)
- Currently, there are 19,481 people with 3 or more DUI convictions traveling New Jersey roads. (U.S. Department of Transportation)
- There are 1,681 people with 5 or more DUI convictions traveling New Jersey roads. (U.S. DOT)
Alcohol ignition interlocks are an integral part of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. Ignition interlocks on the vehicles of all convicted drunk drivers will significantly reduce deaths and injuries due to drunk driving and will also prevent those convicted of DUI from driving drunk again.
- Alcohol ignition interlocks are proven to be an effective tool in the battle against drunk driving.
- Research shows that those convicted of drunk driving for the first time have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest.
- Studies have shown ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses.
On Monday, October 27, 2008, at noon ET, MADD National President Laura Dean-Mooney will join New Jersey Sen. Jim Whelan, co-sponsor of Senate bill 1926, “Ricci’s Law,” companion to Assembly Bill 3073 as well as Assemblymen Munoz, Albano, Diegnan and Johnson, sponsors of AB 3073 for a news conference on the Capitol steps in support of this lifesaving legislation. Following the news conference will be a demonstration of ignition interlock technology.
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