NCJ Number
86764
Date Published
1982
Length
141 pages
Annotation
Witnesses from various public agencies and private organizations expressed their opinions concerning three proposed Senate bills to promote a comprehensive alcohol traffic safety program, establish a national driver register, and authorize incentive grants for State highway safety programs with driving while intoxicated components.
Abstract
S. 671 would impose mandatory penalties on persons convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol, including community service, participation in a traffic safety or alcohol treatment program, and license suspension for at least 1 year. S. 672 would create a national driver register to assist State licensing officials in exchanging information electronically on motor vehicle driving records. S. 2158 outlines the development procedures and funding for this register as well as providing incentive grants for States with strict driving while intoxicated statutes. Senators sponsoring the bills and a representative from the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration described the injuries and deaths caused by drunk drivers and barriers to enforcing laws against drunk driving. Representatives from groups actively involved in combating drunk driving testified in support of the bills, such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, the Alliance for Traffic Safety, and the National Council on Alcoholism. State and local police and traffic officials discussed their efforts to deal with drunk drivers. Statements are included from representatives from the National Safety Council, the Alliance of American Insurers, and the Government Employees Insurance Company. The texts of the bills, additional statements, and committee correspondence are included.