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The alcohol industry trade association took a self-serving position in its op-ed, "MADD's ignition interlock proposal goes too far" (Nov 4). The American Beverage Institute's website ridiculously claims to be at the forefront of the fight against drunk driving yet objects to convicted DUI offenders being asked to install ignition interlock devices, which will protect the public from repeated drunk driving behavior, so their op-ed predictable but highly disingenuous. They would favor giving drunk driving convicts a second opportunity to potentially kill any of us unsuspecting safe drivers before considering the installation of proven and reliable technology that keeps a drunk from starting a car. Maryland citizens deserve better.
Thanks to MADD's efforts in educating the public of the dangers and prevalence of drunk driving, promoting the designated driver concept and other public service initiatives, the number of drunk driving fatalities has dropped from 30,000 in 1980 (the year MADD was founded) to 15,500 this past year. Even so, that is 15,500 too many families who suffer needlessly.
Ignition interlocks go much further than even effective education and social persuasion by attacking the cause of drunk driving at its source. The statistics of reduced repeat offenses by those who have ignition interlock is compelling. The citizens of Maryland are worthy of being protected by this effective technology, and our legislators should not be persuaded by those who stand to profit from serving excessive amounts of alcohol to individuals who have already been convicted of driving while intoxicated.
We should follow the lead of 11 other states and pass mandatory ignition interlock for all drunk driving convicts in the upcoming General Assembly session.
Keith S. Franz, Baltimore
Send your comments to talkback@baltimoresun.com.
Thanks to MADD's efforts in educating the public of the dangers and prevalence of drunk driving, promoting the designated driver concept and other public service initiatives, the number of drunk driving fatalities has dropped from 30,000 in 1980 (the year MADD was founded) to 15,500 this past year. Even so, that is 15,500 too many families who suffer needlessly.
Ignition interlocks go much further than even effective education and social persuasion by attacking the cause of drunk driving at its source. The statistics of reduced repeat offenses by those who have ignition interlock is compelling. The citizens of Maryland are worthy of being protected by this effective technology, and our legislators should not be persuaded by those who stand to profit from serving excessive amounts of alcohol to individuals who have already been convicted of driving while intoxicated.
We should follow the lead of 11 other states and pass mandatory ignition interlock for all drunk driving convicts in the upcoming General Assembly session.
Keith S. Franz, Baltimore
Send your comments to talkback@baltimoresun.com.
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Steve - It's definitely time to stop the MADDness. It's time for the responsible drinkers of this country to stand up against this MADDness. There are millions of people who drink and then drink reponsibly everyday and everynight across this country. These people need to fight against these irrational people and their ridiculous laws before they land in jail and have there lives ruined for years to come. It's all just a big money making lottery. Where things are going now has nothing to do with "saving lives" - it's all about money and control. Madd has played right into the hands of the government.
It's time for responsible drinkers to form their own group called DAMM. (responsible) Drinkers Against Mad Mothers.
david1117 (11/17/2009, 9:55 AM )