SB 1046 Would Require Ignition Interlocks for All Offenders
The California Senate Appropriations Committee Friday unanimously approved SB 1046 by Senator Jerry Hill, which would require ignition interlocks for all drunk driving offenders in California.
The vote came at the start of one of the most dangerous long weekends of the year, when 36 percent of all traffic deaths are caused by drunk driving.
MADD California’s Mary Klotzbach, whose son Matt was killed by a drunk driver in 2002 while home on leave from the Naval Academy, said the vote ahead of this weekend holds special meaning for her.
“Monday is our son, Matt’s, 37th birthday, and what a wonderful gift Matt is giving on his birthday weekend,” said Klotzbach, a Livermore resident who serves on MADD’s National Board of Directors. “Matt took the oath to serve his country, and he is serving in a way none of us anticipated. His legacy and service is heartfelt every time my husband and I speak to end drunk driving. His legacy lives on!”
Currently, ignition interlocks are required in only four California counties as part of a pilot program: Alameda, Los Angeles, Tulare and Sacramento.
MADD applauds Senator Hill for authoring SB 1046 and the Senate Appropriations Committee for passing the bill unanimously and sending it to the full Senate for a vote next week.
“For all the survivors of this completely preventable crime, I ask the Senate to pass this bill next week,” Klotzbach said.
In February, MADD released its first-ever Ignition Interlock Report, which shows how many times the devices have prevented attempts to drink and drive in every state.
“Ignition interlock devices have already prevented over 1 million instances of drinking and driving in California over the last five years,” said Senator Hill. “I thank my colleagues for supporting Senate Bill 1046 which will save lives and make our roadways safer.”
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD changed American culture by introducing the “designated driver” in 1986 and related red ribbon awareness campaign Tie One On For Safety® now in its 30th year. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® is marking its 10th anniversary and reducing drunk driving fatalities by 25 percent since its launch. MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, providing a service every four minutes through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Power of Parents® and Power of Youth® programs reduce underage drinking. Learn more by visiting madd.org or calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.
