Mothers Against Drunk Driving honors Sussex lawmaker as 2014 Legislative Champion
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has selected State Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Lewes-Milton, as a 2014 Legislative Champion.
It is the second time the national organization dedicated to reducing alcohol-related crashes has honored Smyk, who was previously cited as a MADD Legislator of the Year.
"Serving 24 years as a Delaware State Trooper, I've witnessed the horrifying physical aftermath of drunk driving accidents and seen how these preventable tragedies have shattered lives," Smyk said.
"I've been a strong advocate of drunk driving abatement measures since taking office in 2012 and I'm humbled that MADD has selected me and my Delaware colleagues for this recognition."
Delaware State Rep. Helene Keeley, D-Wilmington South, and State Senate Majority Leader David B. McBride, D-Hawk's Nest were also selected as 2014 Legislative Champions.
MADD cited the three Delaware legislators' successful sponsorship of a new law requiring the use of ignition interlock devices by all convicted drunk drivers as the key reason for their recognition.
Installed in the offenders' vehicles, ignition interlock devices periodically sample the breath of the driver and will shut the vehicle down if the operator is impaired.
Delaware State Police statistics indicate that alcohol was a factor in 43 percent of all fatal traffic accidents last year. According to MADD officials, "ignition interlocks can reduce the rate of re-arrest among drivers convicted of driving under the influence by a median of 67 percent. Drivers with interlocks had fewer alcohol-impaired driving crashes than drivers who had their drivers' licenses suspended because of a DUI conviction."
Previously in Delaware, interlock devices were required only for first offenders arrested with a blood-alcohol concentration of .15 or higher; those who refused to take a chemical test; and repeat drunk drivers.
Delaware was one of four states to enact the law this year, becoming the 24th state overall to require the mandatory use of interlock devices for all DUI offenders.
