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The family of Ricci Branca gathered on the Capitol steps in Trenton in support of Ricci's Law, which would require ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers in New Jersey.
  Ricci Branca's family
MADD Joins Senate Leaders and Victims' Families in New Jersey to Call for Lifesaving Ignition Interlocks for ALL Convicted Drunk Drivers 
"Ricci’s Law" Will Save Lives

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. Sen. John Adler (D-Cherry Hill) is a co-sponsor of the Senate legislation

"For families like the Brancas and others in New Jersey which have experienced tragedy at the hands of a drunk driver, we need ignition interlock for all offenders. I urge the Senate to take up this bill as soon as possible, and urge my colleagues to make the right choice when it comes to protecting innocent people like Ricci Branca.”  – Senator Jim Whelan
  • 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 and 1,681 people with 5 or more DUI convictions DUI convictions traveling New Jersey roads. (U.S. Department of Transportation) 
“Ignition interlock is a pretty simple concept. If you’re over the limit, you won’t be able to start your car. And you won’t pose a danger to yourself and others on the State’s roadways." – Senator John Adler

              In the News
Parents Who Lost Children Back Tougher DWI Law – NJ.com
Bill Calls for Interlocks for Convicted Drunk Drivers – Parsippany Daily Record 
Munoz Joins MADD Urging Passage of Ricci’s Law – PolitickerNJ.com
MADD's Press Release
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.

  • Ignition interlocks save lives because they prevent convicted offenders from driving drunk.
  • 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. 
  • Interlocks don’t cost the public. The offender pays the fee, estimated at $2 or $3 a day.

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