FOR RELEASE:                                                                                                 CONTACT:
June 23, 2006                                                                                                     Homer Smith
2:00 pm                                                                                                              517.487.6233

NEW DRUNK DRIVING LAW INTRODUCED
Innovative approach to drunk driving will include assessment, treatment and technology
in order to change behavior and reduce recidivism

LANSING, MI – State Representative Dan Acciavatti (R-Chesterfield) yesterday introduced HB 6264, a bill to address the problem of extreme drunk driving in the state.  This new law would require first-time high-BAC offenders to undergo a professional assessment and treatment program and install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle for a minimum of one year.

“Despite modest improvements in recent years, alcohol remains a factor in 37% of our traffic fatalities and 350 people are killed each year because of it,” said Acciavatti. Research shows that drivers with elevated BAC levels (blood alcohol concentration) are 382 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, and many states are looking for innovative approaches to deal with this particular audience. 

“Nobody reaches this level of intoxication by mistake, or through social drinking,” Acciavatti explained.  “The average 180 pound male must consume at least 8 drinks in an hour to reach 0.15 BAC, and nobody should be driving an automobile at this point,” he continued.  Acciavatti commented that the recently-passed federal highway bill (SAFETEA-LU) includes financial incentives for states to address high-BAC offenders through the expanded use of ignition interlock devices.

“We can win the war on drunk driving if we continue to pursue a comprehensive approach which includes assessment, treatment, sanctions and the use of new technology,” said Homer Smith, Executive Director of MADD Michigan.  Smith pointed out that 34 states have additional sanctions for high-BAC offenders and 44 states promote the use of ignition interlock devices.

“This technology is the only one available that actually keeps an intoxicated person from operating their car,” said Dena Laskowski, President of the Michigan Ignition Interlock Providers Association (MIIPA).  Laskowski noted that studies show the use of ignition interlock reduces recidivism by up to 95%.

HB 6264 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which is chaired by Representative Bill Van Regenmorter (R-Hudsonville), one of the bill’s co-sponsors and a leading advocate for victims’ rights in the fight against drunk driving.

#30#

Additional Media Contacts:
• Representative Dan Acciavatti, 517-373-8931
• Gary G. Naeyaert, MIIPA, 517-281-2690