McBride honored for efforts on ignition interlock measure
For Immediate Release: Thursday, Dec. 4
Contact: Patrick Jackson at 744-4046
Or Jesse Chadderdon at 743-0945
Contact: Patrick Jackson at 744-4046
Or Jesse Chadderdon at 743-0945
DOVER – After leading the effort to require ignition interlock systems for all Delaware motorists convicted of driving under the influence, Senate Majority Leader David McBride (D-Hawks Nest) was named one of Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s legislators of the year.
“MADD commends Senate Majority Leader McBride for his commitment to protecting citizens from drunk driving,” said MADD National President Jan Withers. “Thanks to his leadership in the Senate, Delaware is the 24th state to enact an all-offender ignition interlock law, one of MADD’s highest state legislative priorities.”
McBride has long been associated with using ignition interlock technology to combat drunk driving. In 1990, he sponsored the state’s first ignition interlock law. This year’s universal interlock law, he said, is a culmination of his efforts.
McBride was one of three Delaware lawmakers honored Thursday by MADD. Reps. Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South) and Steve Smyk (R-Milton) were also honored.
“Joining my colleagues in receiving this award from a group as well-respected as MADD is a great honor,” McBride said. “But the lives that this new law will save – and that this law has the potential to change – mean even more to me.”
McBride and Keeley were the chief sponsors of H.B. 212, which made the installation of ignition interlock devices mandatory after any DUI conviction. They were joined in the effort by Smyk, a former state trooper. Gov. Jack Markell signed the measure in August.
Before the universal interlock law was approved, only first offenders with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent, people who refused blood tests or repeat offenders were required to install the devices on their cars. The interlock device won’t allow a car’s engine to start until the driver blows into it, confirming their blood alcohol level is below the legal limit.
Under the new law, the devices are installed in a car anywhere from four months to four-and-a-half years, depending on the severity of the offense or whether a person is a repeat offender.
Gov. Jack Markell praised McBride for his efforts in guiding the bill through the Senate.
“Too many families have lost loved ones to the senseless crime of drunk driving,” Markell said. “Sen. McBride has been a leader in the General Assembly in our efforts to prevent accidents caused by people driving under the influence, and I know he will continue to be a leader in addressing this issue and working to make the people of Delaware safer.”
“MADD commends Senate Majority Leader McBride for his commitment to protecting citizens from drunk driving,” said MADD National President Jan Withers. “Thanks to his leadership in the Senate, Delaware is the 24th state to enact an all-offender ignition interlock law, one of MADD’s highest state legislative priorities.”
McBride has long been associated with using ignition interlock technology to combat drunk driving. In 1990, he sponsored the state’s first ignition interlock law. This year’s universal interlock law, he said, is a culmination of his efforts.
McBride was one of three Delaware lawmakers honored Thursday by MADD. Reps. Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South) and Steve Smyk (R-Milton) were also honored.
“Joining my colleagues in receiving this award from a group as well-respected as MADD is a great honor,” McBride said. “But the lives that this new law will save – and that this law has the potential to change – mean even more to me.”
McBride and Keeley were the chief sponsors of H.B. 212, which made the installation of ignition interlock devices mandatory after any DUI conviction. They were joined in the effort by Smyk, a former state trooper. Gov. Jack Markell signed the measure in August.
Before the universal interlock law was approved, only first offenders with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent, people who refused blood tests or repeat offenders were required to install the devices on their cars. The interlock device won’t allow a car’s engine to start until the driver blows into it, confirming their blood alcohol level is below the legal limit.
Under the new law, the devices are installed in a car anywhere from four months to four-and-a-half years, depending on the severity of the offense or whether a person is a repeat offender.
Gov. Jack Markell praised McBride for his efforts in guiding the bill through the Senate.
“Too many families have lost loved ones to the senseless crime of drunk driving,” Markell said. “Sen. McBride has been a leader in the General Assembly in our efforts to prevent accidents caused by people driving under the influence, and I know he will continue to be a leader in addressing this issue and working to make the people of Delaware safer.”
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Press Contacts
Scott Goss
Communications Director
(302) 744-4180
[email protected]
Dylan McDowell
Communications Assistant
(302) 744-4282
[email protected]
Scott Goss
Communications Director
(302) 744-4180
[email protected]
Dylan McDowell
Communications Assistant
(302) 744-4282
[email protected]