Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
In recognition of his work to strengthen DUI laws, state Rep. John D’Amico received the Legislator of the Year Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an organization dedicated to saving lives and preventing drunk driving fatalities.
“Too many innocent lives across the nation have been taken by the careless decisions of drunk drivers,” D’Amico says. “As a legislator, I want to make sure Illinois enforces measures to help keep our families safe on the road and from having to endure the pain of losing a loved one from reckless driving.”
D’Amico partnered with the Secretary of State’s office to pass a law that expands the use of Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (BAIIDs) for DUI offenders if they are issued a restricted driving permit. BAIIDs require the driver to pass a breath test before starting their car. If the device is tampered with or the driver tries to drive intoxicated, the device will alert the Secretary of State. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, ignition interlocks can reduce repeat DUI offenses by about 70 percent. To ensure that DUI offenders did not exploit a loophole, D’Amico’s passed legislation restricting repeat DUI offenders from driving company vehicles without having a BAIID installed.
“It’s imperative to reduce repeat offenses and make sure loopholes can’t be exploited that will endanger the lives of others,” D’Amico says.
