Impaired Driving Prevention Technology Provision Supported by MADD
Impaired Driving Prevention Technology Provision
As we have discussed in earlier blogs, too much holiday cheer can end in disaster for loved ones. This can be due to death or injury from impaired or drunk driving. To prevent this, the provision in the Infrastructure Law helps reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road. Wear a red pin, ribbon, or wristband to emphasize your desire to see a significant decrease in impaired driving.
Take action before tragedy strikes. Talk to your friends and family about the dangers of driving under the influence. Offer to be the designated driver. Use rideshare services or public transit. Encourage others to plan ahead. Every smart choice helps save lives. Support impaired driving prevention technology that keeps drunk drivers off the road. This technology will help stop impaired driving before it starts and protect everyone on the road.
Eliminating Impaired Driving
Traffic fatalities today are significantly higher than they were a decade ago. Every month we wait to install impaired driving prevention technology in new vehicles results in more than 1,000 preventable deaths and 25,000 preventable injuries. Drunk driving also costs the U.S. economy $58 billion every year.
The impaired driving prevention technology provision in the Infrastructure Law marks the most significant, lifesaving public policy victory in MADD’s 43-year history.
10 Things to Know About the Impaired Driving Prevention Technology Provision
1. NHTSA must set the standard.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is required to begin a rulemaking process. Automakers will then have two to three years to implement the new standard. New cars with impaired driving prevention technology could be available as soon as 2026 or 2027.
2. The technology already exists or is in development.
Current systems include:
Lane departure warnings
Collision avoidance assist
Driver monitoring systems
Passive alcohol detection sensors
These tools help detect not just impairment but also other risks like drowsy or distracted driving.
3. This is not a breathalyzer or ignition interlock.
Impaired driving prevention technology uses passive sensors. It detects impairment without requiring the driver to blow into a device. In addition, the system is built into the car and works automatically.
4. Research proves the tech works.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, over 10,000 lives could be saved annually once this technology becomes standard in all new cars.
5. The tech must be standard in all vehicles.
Automakers already have the expertise to integrate this safety technology, just as they have with airbags, backup cameras, and seatbelt alerts.
6. MADD protects your privacy.
MADD will only support impaired driving prevention technology that respects driver privacy. Further, the system should never use or share data beyond what’s needed to detect impairment.
7. The timeline and cost are reasonable.
The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) estimates the tech will cost about $200 per vehicle. They aim to have a breath system available in 2024 and a touch-based system in 2025.
8. MADD remains technology-neutral.
MADD does not endorse one technology over another. As long as the solution is proven effective, it should be implemented as standard in all new vehicles without delay.
9. MADD led this bipartisan effort.
This legislation had broad bipartisan support. Champions in Congress include:
Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), David McKinley (R-WV), and Kathleen Rice (D-NY)
Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Rick Scott (R-FL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
10. Americans support this change.
According to an Ipsos poll for MADD, 91% of Americans believe impaired driving prevention technology is a good or very good idea. 78% said they are more likely to support the tech if it adds no cost to the consumer.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
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 and drugged driving
Prevent underage drinking
Support victims of these crimes
MADD has saved over 400,000 lives, cut drunk driving deaths by more than 50%, and helped nearly one million victims and survivors—all at no cost to families.
Its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® includes:
Law enforcement partnerships
Ignition interlocks for offenders
Implementation of impaired driving prevention technology
For support, contact the 24-Hour Victim Help Line at 1-877-MADD-HELP, or visit www.madd.org.
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