Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing December as “National Impaired Driving Prevention Month”.
Impaired driving is a persistent factor in crash fatalities and injuries on U.S. roadways, accounting for 30% of roadway deaths each year on average. On average, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 42 minutes, and the average drunk driver has driven drunk 87 times before their first arrest.
“Every life lost to impaired driving is a tragedy and a preventable death. We must do more to address drunk and impaired driving and prevent repeated offenses,” said Congressman Pappas. “This month, we raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, support the prevention efforts of federal agencies and local law enforcement, and urge individuals to drive sober or make plans for a safe ride home. I’ll keep working to pass legislation that will make roads safer for everyone, including my bipartisan End DWI Act.”
Yesterday Pappas joined Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety President Cathy Chase, advocates, and law enforcement officers for a press conference on strengthening road safety and to talk about his bipartisan End Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Act, which would create a national ignition interlock standard by encouraging states to adopt mandatory first-time offender ignition interlock laws, helping reduce recidivism and improve road safety by ensuring fewer drunk drivers are on the road. Twenty-four states and D.C., including New Hampshire, already meet the standards outlined in this legislation.
The use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) reduces recidivism by up to 70% in first-time, repeat, and high-risk offenders. Across the country, IIDs prevented 3.78 million attempts to drive drunk between 2006 and 2020, including 390,456 attempts in 2020 alone. A University of Pennsylvania study found that requiring IIDs for all drunk-driving convictions was associated with 15% fewer alcohol-involved crash deaths, compared with states with less stringent requirements. According to the study, “Interlocks are a life-saving technology that merit wider use.”
“Every year, nearly 14,000 Americans lose their lives to impaired driving,” said Congressman Mann. “During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we can increase awareness and provide more resources that reduce these tragedies and save lives. I will continue to support legislation that aims to reduce recidivism like my End DWI Act and makes our roads and passengers safer.”
“We applaud Congressman Pappas and Congressman Mann for shining a bright spotlight on Impaired Driving Prevention Month during this higher risk December holiday season, and for championing the End DWI Act – bold action to strengthen DUI laws and save lives,” said Brandy Nannini, Board Member of the SAFE Coalition. “Drunk driving is the leading killer on America’s roads, and it is entirely preventable. As holiday celebrations begin, we ask everyone to make one simple pledge that can save lives: Plan a sober ride home. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your ability to drive.”
“Every day, families lose parents, siblings, friends and loved ones to the devastating consequences of impaired driving. These tragedies are not inevitable—they are entirely preventable. Recognizing Impaired Driving Prevention Month is a critical step toward shining a light on this national crisis and mobilizing action to save lives. The National Safety Council applauds Representatives Pappas and Mann for their bipartisan leadership in championing safer roads for everyone. Together, we can turn awareness into prevention and ensure that no more lives are needlessly lost,” said Lorraine Martin, CEO, National Safety Council.
“Drunk driving kills or injures someone every 85 seconds in the U.S. Thank you Rep. Pappas and Rep. Mann for calling attention to the risks on our roads especially during the holiday season. We appreciate your commitment to ending this crime,” said Stacey D. Stewart, CEO, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).