Why is Florida MADD for Ignition Interlock Devices?

Every year, thousands of people are either injured or killed in car crashes in Florida and around the country.  Although drunk driving incidents have been cut in half since the founding of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in 1980, the problem still affects more lives than necessary. In 2012, Florida saw drunk driving fatalities increase over the previous year, and in the last year, there have been more “wrong way” drunk driving incidents in the headlines than ever. Drunk driving accidents are not discriminating, they affect everyone; even in the sunny, vacation state of Florida.

In this video, a woman describes the unthinkable loss caused by a drunk driver, and how it inspired her to begin working with MADD in Florida to help keep the roads safe from the tragedy her family experienced.

MADD helps train law enforcement and community organizations, as well as initiating and supporting legislation that aims to reduce or prevent drunk driving. Most recently, those efforts in Florida have resulted in an ignition interlock requirement for first-time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher at the time of their arrest. Ignition interlock devices are also required for repeat DUI offenders, or for first-time offenders who drive with a minor passenger in the car.

MADD promotes ignition interlock devices for drivers who have been caught driving while intoxicated. Studies show that when drunk driving offenders are required to use such devices, in addition to programs and classes to help address drinking problems, they are less likely to become repeat offenders. This makes ignition interlocks vital to MADD’s fight to end drunk driving in Florida, and across the U.S.

By mandating ignition interlock devices, Florida and other states can help reduce the number of deaths that occur as the result of someone getting driving under the influence of alcohol. Urging the use of ignition interlock devices after the first offense goes a long way toward ensuring one less drunk driver on our roads.