FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement on Passage of Senate Bill (SB) 7 to Upgrade Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Law for Drunk Drivers
This Safety Victory Will Save Lives in Louisiana
March 1, 2024 | Yesterday, the Louisiana State Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 7 introduced by Sen. Rick Edmonds (R-Central). Once enacted, the new law will mandate ignition interlock devices (IIDs) be installed for a minimum of six months for all convicted drunk drivers and require IIDs be used for the duration of suspension. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2024.
Alcohol-impaired driving is a persistent factor in crash fatalities and injuries on our roadways, accounting for 30% of deaths nationally each year on average. In 2021, 299 people lost their lives in drunk driving-related crashes in Louisiana—a devastating 32 percent increase from 2020. When IIDs are installed, they are associated with an approximately 70 percent reduction in repeat offenses for impaired driving as shown in our 2024 Roadmap to Safety. This is a proven and timely traffic safety solution.
“With the passage of Senate Bill 7, the Louisiana legislature has taken a giant step forward in protecting all road users in the state from drunk drivers. Laws requiring IIDs for all convicted drunk driving offenders are proven effective in preventing driving after consuming alcohol. Many lives will be saved once this legislation is enacted, and we thank Senator Edmonds for his safety leadership. We look forward to Governor Landry’s signature and encourage Pelican State leaders to build on this victory by prioritizing more safety legislation in the next session. All road users deserve the highest level of safety to ensure everyone reaches their destinations and families are kept whole.” Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
Read our letter thanking Governor Jeff Landry for his support here.
###
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is an alliance of consumer, medical, public health, law enforcement and safety groups and insurance companies and agents working together to make America’s roads safer. Advocates’ mission is the adoption of federal and state laws, policies and programs that prevent motor vehicle crashes, save lives, reduce injuries, and contain costs. Advocates is based in Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.saferoads.org