As America Celebrates its Freedom, Make Sure You Keep Yours!

From Sea to Shining Sea, New Laws to Fight Impaired Driving and Underage Drinking take effect

Impaired drivers and underage drinkers, be forewarned. New laws begin to take effect on July 1, 2015 in many states. The Foundation for Advancing Responsibility (Responsibility.org) worked to pass many of these new laws and we applaud the efforts of state legislatures and governors who have taken strong action on these important issues.

Responsibility.org supported new impaired driving laws in 14 states and new underage drinking laws in 14 states. These laws will take effect between July 1 and August 1, 2015 and include mandatory ignition interlocks for convicted DUI offenders, Felony DUI penalties, expanded judicial discretion, enhanced penalties for driving at a high BAC level or with a minor child in the car, Good Samaritan laws, and screening, assessment and treatment for juvenile DUI offenders. For a complete description of the new state laws, check out our mid-year report on legislative activity.

Of course, new laws should not be the reason for safe driving on the 4^th of July or any other day. We all share the roads, so this July 4^th holiday let’s all work hard to keep them safe by practicing these five Responsibility.org recommendations:

• If you are under the age of 21, alcohol should not be part of your celebration. It’s illegal for you.
• If you are 21 or older and you choose to drink alcohol, know how alcohol affects your body, your driving skills and your BAC level at our Virtual Bar.
• Pace yourself! Drink plenty of water and eat food while enjoying your cocktails responsibly.
• Make a plan to get home before you head out and then stick to it. Don’t drive drunk!
• Be a good friend and find a safe way home for friends who didn’t consume responsibly.

Learn more about #SummerResponsibly.

For more information on our programs and policies, please visit www.Responsibility.org