Congress Approves Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act
By MADD | July 2, 2012| 7 Comments | Filed in: Drunk Driving

We are excited to announce that Congress has approved the federal transportation legislation called Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, or MAP-21. This legislation sets in motion a federal safety policy that could lead to the elimination of drunk driving as the leading cause of highway fatalities. 

The legislation includes bold new programs to encourages states to pass all offender ignition interlock laws. The science behind these laws has been clear for some time, showing that they reduce repeat offenses by two-thirds. Now, states will have a financial incentive, as well as a moral obligation to pass these lifesaving laws. Currently, 16 states have ignition interlock laws aimed at all convicted drunk drivers. 

In addition to ignition interlocks, the legislation authorizes the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, or DADSS. Not only does it guarantee the research for this project will continue to take place, it also has the potential to greatly accelerate lifesaving technology from the lab to the showroom where it can protect our families. Learn more about DADSS.

Also in line with MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, the legislation continues funding for NHTSA's high visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns, which have proved to be successful. This is especially important over holiday weekends like the Fourth of July when drunk driving rates are higher. 

MAP-21 is a historic opportunity to advance highway safety because we now have congressional approval on a blueprint for our nation to eliminate drunk driving. MADD thanks Senators Jay Rockefeller, Barbara Boxer, Tom Udall, Frank Lautenberg, and Bob Corker along with Representatives John Mica, Shelley Moore Capito, John Sarbanes, and Heath Shuler for championing this legislation.

 

*UPDATED 7/6/2012*

At 4:55 EST on July 6, 2012, President Obama will sign the Moving Ahead for the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) at a White House ceremony.


   

Comments

Submitted by MADD Can Do More! at 03:56 PM on July 27, 2012
WHY doesn't MADD support Texas legislation that came up last session that would require pre-trial defendants and probationers to wear an ankle alcohol monitor (SCRAM) device? That is the ONLY thing that stopped my daughter's killer from continuing to drink and drive. He was on bond for FELONY MURDER when he blew dirty into the interlock that was ordered. Only then, was his bond revoked, doubled, and he was required to wear the monitor. I have no doubt this action saved other lives while he was again out on bond pending trial and sentencing. MADD did not support legislative action that would require this measure. WHY?? I do not understand why MADD didn't support this. It seems that MADD has its own agenda and does not vary from it, even if supporting more legislation could/would save lives.
Submitted by Lisa at 10:34 AM on July 20, 2012
I never got an apology from the drunk driver that hit me almost 2 years ago. I never got to make my victim impact statement. I found out just months ago (from my lawyer, not the DA) that she had qualified for ARD, despite previous DUI arrests. She almost killed me and has no criminal record. She hit me on the same stretch of road where a friend was killed by a drunk driver. I was crying at the scene and asking the emt's, cops, firefighters how anyone could do that in our community again? (Everyone involved in both accidents went to the same high school). She saw how upset the accident made me, she saw me being put into an ambulance on a stretcher and never apologized. I wish I would have gotten to make my victim impact statement, not because I want her to suffer, but because I need to forgive her to move on. It has really changed my view of people and I hate that. I feel like I was victimized twice...once by the driver, once by the system. On a more positive note, I am really happy to see posts from people like Dave. I always feel like 'people just don't care' ... clearly, you do and you are trying to make things right. Thank you.
Submitted by Dave at 08:58 PM on July 17, 2012
I just returned home from a victim impact panel where a MADD representative told her story. I completed VASAP and with the panel meeting I have completed all my requirements as a first time offender. I will never drink and drive again. Having gone through the process I firmly believe in the work our government is doing to reduce DWI. However, I must say that I'm very disturbed in one area and find it wholey lacking if not hyprocritical. That state and Fed put all the responsiblity on the public consuming the alcohol and the penalties keep getting more and more stiff. Yet, the State and Fed put no checks and balances on the point the alcohol is sold. There isn't even a breathalizer hanging by the bar so someone can check themselves. In VASAP they insist and drive home that alcohol is a "drug". Yet, they put no dosage limits (bars and restaurants sell as much as you'll buy) as they do on other "drugs". It's over the counter and they sell it with impunity. Why? Because of the tax revenue they make off it. When the government declares a war on drugs, they go after the dealers not the addict in the street. Yet, here the state and Fed are in bed with the dealers and they all are making a killing. I mean that literally; how much of the alcohol in a killing blood streams was profit to the state without accountability on their part?
Submitted by amyqotd at 03:21 AM on July 15, 2012
I'll be honest, I didn't really read the whole article, but I wanted to say that being "forced" to install an ignition interlock not only saved my life and others, but completely changed my life. I have 2 DWIs. I had almost lost hope for myself as a person, but then I had to install it...I had to start planning my days (and nights) and it shortly came to pass that I stopped drinking, not because I had to, but because I wanted to drive my car without needing to be concerned that I might get so drunk that i can no longer make rational decisions, as is my wont. In adjusting to this I found myself with 2 jobs (I hadn't worked in 10 years), REAL friends, and a healthy relationship with my family. I still pay just over $90 a month so that I can guarantee that I will not drink and drive no matter what. If you need a person from the "other side" I may be able to help.
Submitted by Kawehi at 03:12 PM on July 11, 2012
The Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving just got stronger, all States should take a closer look at this legislation.
Submitted by yes at 10:26 AM on July 9, 2012
they cannot think if they are intoxicated
Submitted by Donna at 06:31 PM on July 3, 2012
Thank You MADD once again for the time and effort you all put into keeping our loved ones safe. I wish more people would just stop and think first before they get behind the wheel and drive or get into a car with someone who has been drinking. DADSS is long overdue and should be in all states.

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