Little Apple Times

Representatives Tracey Mann and Chris Pappas have introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The initiative aims to address the high incidence of drunk driving incidents in the United States, where someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 39 minutes. On average, a drunk driver has driven under the influence 80 times before their first arrest.

The resolution follows the introduction of the End Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Act of 2024 by Mann and Pappas in May. This act proposes a national ignition interlock standard, encouraging states to adopt mandatory ignition interlock laws for first-time offenders to reduce recidivism and improve road safety. Currently, twenty-four states and Washington D.C., including Kansas, meet these standards.

Rep. Mann emphasized the need for awareness and resources during this month, stating, “Every year, nearly 14,000 Americans lose their lives to impaired driving.” He expressed support for legislation like his End DWI Act aimed at reducing recidivism and making roads safer.

Rep. Pappas highlighted that impaired driving deaths are preventable tragedies. He said, “During this month, we raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving,” emphasizing ongoing efforts to pass legislation improving road safety.

Brandy Nannini from the SAFE Coalition praised Mann and Pappas for spotlighting Impaired Driving Prevention Month and advancing the End DWI Act. She noted that drunk driving is entirely preventable and urged safe travel plans during celebrations involving alcohol.

Lorraine Martin from the National Safety Council described impaired driving as a national crisis and supported recognizing Impaired Driving Prevention Month as a critical step toward raising awareness about its dangers.

Stacey D. Stewart from Mothers Against Drunk Driving acknowledged Rep. Mann's and Rep. Pappas's efforts to highlight road risks during holidays: “Thank you Rep. Mann and Rep. Pappas for calling attention to the risks on our roads especially during the holiday season.”