LOUISVILLE, Ky.-- According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 175 people were killed in 2016 in Kentucky, by drunk driving. MADD ranks the Bluegrass third state in the nation in the numbers of deaths due to drunk driving. So, they are teaming up with other groups, including bourbon distillers, in a push to make DUI laws in Kentucky stricter. They want more ignition interlock devices used.
- Groups like MADD and the Kentucky Distillers Association want every person convicted of a DUI in the Bluegrass using ignition interlock devices on their cars, to stop drunk driving.
- Currently in Kentucky, the devices which require a driver to blow into a breathalyzer before starting the car, are required for DUI repeat offenders and anyone convicted of at least a .15 BAC.
- According to MADD, 175 people were killed in Kentucky in 2016, from drunk driving.
Theresa Martinez is one MADD activist, pushing for the change after her daughter's death in 2013. Ashley Martinez was 23 years old when she was hit head on by a drunk driver on her way home from celebrating the end of a college semester with friends.
"It wasn't available to help my daughter, but I would like for it to see for other families because I do not want another family to go through the devastating that I go through losing, the loss of my daughter every single day of my life," Theresa Martinez says.
Bourbon distillers are on board with the push to expand Kentucky's current ignition interlock law, and to make all DUI offenders have them in their cars and blow into the breathalyzer before being able to drive.
"We have a responsibility to provide safe ride resources and options to help people make the right choice," Ali Edelstein, with the Kentucky Distillers Association says. "We believe that alcohol responsibility and social responsibility are up to the individual, right. Impaired driving is an individual decision."