MADD NH Honors Steve Shurtleff

State Rep. Steve Shurtleff, D-Penacook, who represents the village in the Legislature was named 2013 Legislative Champion by Mothers Against Drunk Driving of New Hampshire, for his role in authoring drunk driving legislation. 

There press statement by the organization is below: 

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) today announced its “2013 Legislative Champions” and recognized Representative Stephen Shurtleff (D-Penacook) for his leadership within the New Hampshire Legislature to stop drunk driving and protect the rights of victims.

“MADD thanks Representative Shurtleff for his dedication and commitment to advancing MADD’s mission in New Hampshire by promoting effective DUI countermeasures like ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk driver,” said MADD National President Jan Withers.

In 2013, Representative Stephen Shurtleff for authoring HB 496 expanding the use of ignition interlocks to all convicted drunk drivers who choose to drive during a license suspension.

A major portion of MADD’s advocacy efforts in states originates from the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving that was launched in 2006. A key component of the Campaign call for enacting legislation like HB 496.

Prior to the Campaign, only one state (New Mexico), required ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. Today, 20 states require or highly incentivize the use of ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. In New Hampshire, ignition interlock are required for repeat and first-time convicted drunk drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .16 or greater.

“MADD applauds and is grateful to Representative Shurtleff for authoring legislation improving our drunk driving law. MADD hopes that HB 496 can become law so more convicted drunk drivers use an ignition interlock,” stated MADD New Hampshire volunteer Lydia Valliere.

An interlock is more effective than license suspension alone, as 50 to 75 percent of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license. Ignition interlocks are effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses by 67 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For more information on ignition interlocks, please visit madd.org/interlock.