We Urge U.S. House to Pass Multiple Substance Impaired Driving Prevention Act
ARLINGTON, Va. – Today, Chris R. Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Responsibility.org announced support for the Multiple Substance Impaired Driving Prevention Act. Responsibility.org and DISCUS applauded the leadership of House sponsors Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Kathleen Rice (D-NY) for introducing this bill. The legislation aims to eliminate multiple substance impaired driving by increasing investment in innovative detection technologies and improving reporting on the issue. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) plans to introduce a companion bill in the Senate.
“DISCUS and Responsibility.org applaud Representatives Cohen and Rice’s commitment and leadership in making America’s roadways safer,” said Swonger. “The Multiple Substance Impaired Driving Prevention Act will increase investment in critical, innovative programs and technologies focused on eliminating multiple substance impaired driving. We are confident this bill will save lives by helping states build the necessary foundation to identify, monitor, and treat these high-risk impaired drivers."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released 2020 preliminary traffic fatality data showing a 7 percent increase in deaths despite a 13 percent decrease in vehicle miles traveled. Last year’s increase was the biggest increase in traffic deaths in 13 years and NHTSA identified causes as failure to wear seat belts, speeding and impaired driving. More detail will be available in the fall.
Additional trauma center research from NHTSA showed nearly one in four seriously or fatally injured drivers tested positive for multiple categories of drugs.
In addition to Responsibility.org and DISCUS, supporters of the legislation include AAA, Abbott, the Beer Institute, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the National District Attorneys Association, the National Safety Council, the National Sheriffs Association and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).
For more information on and resources to help prevent multiple substance impaired driving, visit www.stopHRID.org.
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About Responsibility.org
Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empowers adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices as part of a balanced lifestyle. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; DIAGEO; Edrington, Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; and Pernod Ricard USA. For 30 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit www.Responsibility.org.
About The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS)
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory, and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.