New DUI Laws Press Conference

September 21, 2009

 

Introduction

Good morning and thank you to all the participants and the media for being here today.

Too many Marylanders have lost their lives because someone else made the decision to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Last year in Maryland, one hundred fifty two of our neighbors were killed.

I’ve gotten to know this issue very well during my years in elected office. Drunk driving bills regularly came through my committee while I was a member of the General Assembly, and after moving to the 2nd Floor of the State House, I’ve had the privilege to serve as an honorary chair of the Impaired Driving Coalition.

Impaired Driving in Maryland

Because of that experience, I’m reminded quite often that impaired driving is a big deal: It’s a public health issue, it’s a highway safety priority, and it’s a crime, as the fencing behind me can explain.

Governor O’Malley and I are committed to fighting impaired driving and that means we’re getting tough. But before I say anything about the new laws that will go into effect next month, let me take just a minute to applaud the good work of Neil Peterson, SHA and the Task Force to Combat Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol. Because of your efforts, we have one of the nation’s lowest DUI death rates.

Still, 152 of our neighbors – nearly one person every two days – were killed last year by drunk drivers. That’s152 too many.

Getting Tough on Impaired Drivers

Starting next month, there will no longer be a “get of jail free” card in Maryland for any impaired driver. During this year’s legislative session, with the help of members from both parties in the General Assembly, we passed significant reforms to Maryland’s impaired driving laws; reforms that make our highway safety laws among the strictest in America.

Impaired Driving Legislation

In the past, impaired drivers were able to receive a probation before judgment once every five years if they were charged with a DUI. That’s too often and it’s too easy on repeat offenders.

So, we extended the timeframe and will allow a PBJ only once every 10 years. And a driver convicted twice in a five year period for driving under the influence will face a one-year automatic license suspension.

We’re also putting young drivers on notice. If you’re a driver under the age of 21, you can now be charged both possession and consumption of alcohol. And if you’re of age and buy alcohol for a minor, you should be prepared to pay heavy fines and serve time behind that fence.

Conclusion

These new laws set the stage for real changes in our state – changes that will save lives.

I want to thank all of our partners who are actively involved in our shared efforts to improve public safety, especially county and local law enforcement leaders who are on the front lines in this effort. And I thank the members of the media for providing their public service to educate our neighbors about the dangers of driving under the influence.

With a little more work, I’m hopeful for the day when we can announce that no one died because someone else made the decision to drink and drive. Thank you very much.

 

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