PROVIDENCE, R.I., July 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee signed into law a bill increasing penalties for the most dangerous segment of DUI offenders.
On Tuesday, Gov. Chafee signed into law Senate Bill 2231, supported by the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org). This new law, which will take effect January 1, 2015, mandates the use of ignition interlock devices for convicted DUI offenders with a blood alcohol content at 0.15 or above, repeat DUI offenders and offenders who repeatedly refuse BAC tests.
"We believe this new law will help address the drunk driving problem in Rhode Island and prevent fatalities and injuries on the state's roads," said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. "We are proud to support this new law and to have worked withthe members of the Rhode Island General Assembly, Attorney General Kilmartin and Mothers Against Drunk Driving on its passage. We applaud Governor Chafee for signing this bill into law."
The law also leaves room for judges to allow first-time offenders to drive to and from work as long as the offender installs an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This new law also requires alcohol or drug treatment for offenders at their thirdDUI offense.
Responsibility.org has led the fight against drunk driving since 1991. The organization supports policies aimed at eliminating drunk driving, which include revoking driver licenses, 0.08 BAC limit for drivers, ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders, high visibility enforcement, BAC education, safe ride and designated driver programs. This year, Responsibility.org supported drunk driving legislation in 33 states.
In an effort to eliminate drunk driving, Responsibility.org supports the mandatory and effective use of ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders. Effective use of ignition interlocks requires proper assessment and treatment, supervision, and verification of installation for all offenders ordered to install the device. Currently, 24 states and four counties in California require ignition interlock devices for all DUI offenders.
For more information on our policy positions on drunk driving, please visit http://responsibility.org/drunk-driving/advancing-effective-solutions-eliminate-drunk-driving.
About the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility
Formerly known as The Century Council, the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is a national not-for-profit that leads the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Suntory; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. For more than 23 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families and communities together to guide a lifetime of conversations around alcohol responsibility. To learn more, please visit us at responsibility.org.
Contact:
Darron Moffatt,Darron.Moffatt@responsibility.org, 202-637-0077
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SOURCE Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org)
