MADD HONORS REP. GERALD FOX FOR WORK ON ANTI-DRUNK DRIVING LEGISLATION

For the second consecutive year, State Representative Gerald
Fox III (D-Stamford) has been recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving
for his work in passing legislation strengthening Connecticut’s DUI laws.

Fox, House Chair of the legislature's Judiciary
Committee, was presented MADD's Public Policy Award for his “commitment to
promoting safe and sober driving through effective legislation,” said MADD
Connecticut Executive Director Janice Heggie Margolis.  Heggie Margolis specifically cited Fox's work on a bill (HB5553) strengthening a state law that requires mandatory ignition interlock devices (IID)
for all repeat DUI offenders.

“I remain convinced that mandatory ignition interlocks
will save more lives than anything we have done to address drunk driving to
date,” said Fox. “It is truly an honor to be recognized by an organization that
has done so much to improve public safety on our roads and highways.”

An IID is an electronic breathalyzer connected to the
ignition of a vehicle that measures breath alcohol concentration and prevents a
driver from starting the vehicle if the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC)
exceeds .08 percent.  A random retest is also
intermittently required while the car is in operation.

The new law restricts driving for DUI offenders during
the first year of having an IID installed in their automobiles. Many states,
with support from MADD, are moving towards shorter suspension periods, followed by lengthy, mandatory ignition interlock device periods. 

The award was announced at MADD’s annual Community
Champions dinner last week in New Haven.