NCJ Number
153771
Date Published
1988
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This hearing before the Senate Subcommittee on the Consumer was convened in August 1988 to promote highway traffic safety by encouraging States to establish more effective drunk driving law enforcement measures, in response to the Drunk Driving Prevention Act of 1988.
Abstract
Opening statements emphasized the need to deal with the nationwide problem of drunk driving and the importance of State laws designed to deter drunk drivers. One particular State law was noted that administratively suspends the licenses of drivers who fail or refuse to take a chemical test to determine whether they are intoxicated. Opening statements also pointed out that 40 percent of all fatal highway accidents involve drunk drivers and discussed Federal efforts to promote highway safety. Witnesses presenting hearing testimony included representatives from the Missouri Highway Patrol, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Beer Wholesalers Association, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Additional articles, letters, and statements were provided to the hearing by various individuals and organizations, including the American Insurance Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Hearing materials generally focused on the dangers of drunk driving, Federal and State efforts to prevent drunk driving, the need to change public attitudes toward drinking and driving, and specific programs implemented by States to test for and prevent drunk driving.