Mothers Against Drunk Driving Announces Oklahoma’s 2022 State Legislators of the Year
Oklahoma City — Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has named two Oklahoma state senators as “2022 Legislators of the Year” for their tireless efforts to eliminate the 100 percent preventable crime of drunk driving.
“MADD is proud to honor Senator Darrell Weaver and Senator Kim David for championing legislation that will protect their communities from the heartbreak caused by impaired driving,” said MADD National President Alex Otte.
The problem of drunk driving is far from over. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving deaths increased in Oklahoma by 15% from 2019 to 2020 resulting in 179 fatalities. Preliminary estimates for 2021 indicate another increase in drunk driving deaths nationally.
Senator Darrell Weaver authored Bentley’s Law (Senate Bill 1744) to require impaired drivers to pay child support when an impaired driver causes a crash that kills a parent or guardian.
“Having spent nearly three decades in law enforcement, I am humbled with the opportunity to utilize those years of public service to fight for policy that will protect our citizens. It’s a privilege to team up with MADD to author such worthy legislation,” Senator Weaver said.
Senator Kim David successfully guided into law Senate Bill 366, improving the implementation of the ignition interlock law.
Senator David authored previous laws improving the ignition interlock law in past sessions.
As reported elsewhere, Sen. David commented:
“The lives of countless Oklahoma families have been forever changed by those who made the choice to drive while impaired,” Sen. David said.
“These are tragedies that were 100 percent preventable. Addressing this crime has been one of my top priorities as a member of the Oklahoma Senate, and I thank MADD for their advocacy and for this recognition.”
In all, MADD has recognized 65 state lawmakers around the United States for their commitment to saving lives. For the full list, visit madd.org.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving: Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 400,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50% and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology.
MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
Note: Pat McGuigan, publisher, editor, and founder of CapitolBeatOK.com, contributed to this report.