On June 18, 2024, Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, was awarded the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Legislative Hero Award for his work in promoting awareness about impaired driving prevention technology. During the award ceremony, Garcia was accompanied by MADD Victim Services Specialist Shymari Sanchez-Willis and MADD Program Director Georgina Avilez. The award recognized Garcia’s efforts to debunk misinformation surrounding the technology and clarify that it is not intended to give the government control over shutting down vehicles.
One of the main sources of confusion regarding impaired driving prevention technology was the belief that the government could use the technology to turn off a motorist’s car. However, Garcia clarified that this was not the case and that the technology is designed to prevent accidents caused by impaired drivers. By November 15, the U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to establish a standard for impaired driving prevention technology, which will apply to all new vehicles.
Recent polls conducted by Ipsos for MADD have shown that a majority of Americans support the integration of impaired driving prevention technology into vehicles. In fact, 9 out of 10 Americans surveyed agreed that integrating this technology into cars is a good or very good idea. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents supported the mandate for vehicle impairment prevention technology in all new vehicles.
Overall, Rep. Mike Garcia’s recognition by Mothers Against Drunk Driving highlights the importance of raising awareness about impaired driving prevention technology and dispelling misinformation surrounding its implementation. Through continued education and efforts, we hope to reduce the number of impaired driving incidents and improve road safety for all drivers.
