Pappas, Mann Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing December as “National Impaired Driving Prevention Month”

Today, in coordination with the first day of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing December as “National Impaired Driving Prevention Month”.

In the United States, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 39 minutes, and an average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before their first arrest. Studies have shown that the use of ignition interlocks reduce recidivism by up to 70% in first-time, repeat, and high-risk offenders.

In May, Pappas and Mann introduced the bipartisan End Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Act of 2024, which would create a national ignition interlock standard by encouraging states to adopt mandatory first-time offender ignition interlock laws, helping reduce recidivism and improve road safety by ensuring fewer drunk drivers are on the road. Twenty-four states and D.C., including New Hampshire, already meet the standards outlined in this legislation.

“Every life lost to impaired driving is a tragedy and a preventable death. We must do more to address drunk drinking and prevent repeated offenses,” said Congressman Pappas. “During this month, we raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, support the prevention efforts of federal agencies and local law enforcement, and urge individuals to drive sober. I’ll keep working to pass legislation that will make roads safer for drivers, passengers, and everyone sharing our roads, including my End DWI Act.”

“Every year, nearly 14,000 Americans lose their lives to impaired driving,” said Congressman Mann. “During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we can increase awareness and provide more resources that reduce these tragedies and save lives. I will continue to support legislation that aims to reduce recidivism like my End DWI Act and makes our roads and passengers safer.” 

“The SAFE Coalition applauds the leadership of Congressman Pappas and Congressman Mann to highlight December as Impaired Driving Prevention Month and for their leadership to pass the End DWI Act which would improve the nation’s DUI laws and save thousands of lives,” said Brandy Nannini, Board Member of the SAFE Coalition. “Drunk driving is the #1 cause of death on U.S. roadways, and yet it is 100 percent preventable. This holiday season and throughout the year, we urge Americans to make a plan for returning home safely if alcohol is part of your celebration. Always designate a sober driver, use rideshare or public transportation and educate yourself on how alcohol impairs your ability to drive.”

“Every day we lose parents, siblings, friends and loved ones to impaired driving. These individual tragedies represent a national crisis which is completely preventable. This critical resolution to recognize Impaired Driving Prevention Month is an important step in raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence. The National Safety Council applauds Reps. Pappas and Mann for their bipartisan leadership to ensure our roads are safe for all,” said Lorraine Martin, President and CEO, National Safety Council.

“Drunk driving kills or injures someone every 78 seconds in the U.S. Thank you Rep. Pappas and Rep. Mann for calling attention to the risks on our roads especially during the holiday season. We appreciate your commitment to ending this crime,” said Stacey D. Stewart, CEO, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).