In 2007, 89 individuals died from alcohol related crashes on Nebraska roadways, which represented almost one-third of (34.8%) of all fatalities reported. Although lower than the proportion of alcohol related deaths in the nation (40%), it still means that almost one person dies every four days on Nebraska roads. In an effort to eradicate drunk driving and its devastating consequences to families and communities, MADD Nebraska has initiated a Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. Three comprehensive and coordinated strategies included in this campaign are:
A key to deter future drunk driving is to stop impaired drivers before they decide to get behind the wheel. We know that when the public sees and hears about law enforcement efforts to reduce drunk driving, such as sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, they won’t drive drunk. MADD Nebraska partners with law enforcement to assist with sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols at key times during the year, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. Eighty-seven percent of Americans support sobriety checkpoints, however, 10 states still prohibit their use and others rarely use them. Through this campaign, MADD Nebraska’s participation and visibility at the sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols demonstrates their commitment to reduce the incidence of and ultimately, eliminate drunk driving.
Research has shown that first-time DUI offenders have driven drunk an average of 87 times before they’re finally arrested. The main reason that drivers continue to drive drunk is because they can! About one-third of all drivers arrested for driving while drunk have had a previous drunk driving conviction. A bill currently in the Nebraska legislature calls for the installation of an alcohol ignition interlock device upon conviction for a first offense, with longer interlock periods for a second offense, or first offense with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher. In 2007, 10,711 individuals were convicted of drunk-driving in the state of Nebraska, with 7,725 (72%) of these individuals caught for their first offense. Consequently, inclusion of interlock ignition on these offender vehicles may greatly reduce the chances of a repeat offense. In addition, the enforcement of this technology is enhanced by requiring all Nebraska offenders to carry an interlock ignition restriction permit. Studies have shown that alcohol ignition interlocks, when used, are up to 90% effective in keeping both first-time and repeat offenders from repeating this crime. For more information on interlock ignition technology, visit the MADD National website at http://www.madd.org or Smart Start Inc., at http://www.smartstartinc.com/index.htm.
Emerging technology is one of the most promising and potentially effective approaches to eliminating drunk driving in the U.S. Another key component of the Campaign involves the development of new technology through a non-regulatory, voluntary and data-driven effort that allows a vehicle to recognize if a driver is drunk, and to stop the driver from operating that vehicle. Americans support advances in smart vehicle technology to prevent drivers from driving drunk. MADD, along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the auto industry and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, formed a cooperative research initiative through the Blue Ribbon Panel on Advanced Alcohol Detection Technology.
There are many ways you, your family, and your organization can help in the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. You can help support by signing onto the Campaign Pledge page on the MADD National website at http://www.madd.org, telling others, making a donation, and getting involved in your community. MADD Nebraska encourages you and your community to join the Campaign today!
For more information on or to participate in MADD Nebraska’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, please contact our state office at info.nebraska@madd.org or by phone at 402-434-5330 or 1-800-444-6233. To learn more about the national Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, please visit the MADD National website at http://www.madd.org.