The Hill News

Melanie Sloan recently took to The Hill to deliver a fact-free denunciation of my organization, the American Beverage Institute (ABI), and its stance on in-car interlock ignition devices, which detect alcohol consumption and prevent drivers from starting their vehicles.

Contrary to Ms. Sloan's drive-by assertions, the facts do support the claim that interlocks would inhibit the personal freedom of anyone who drinks responsibly and takes the wheel. Susan Ferguson, head of the federal program developing the technology, admits that the devices would be set below .08â€"making it nearly impossible for many people to have a drink or two before driving. And for proof that the government wants to see this technology as standard equipment in all! cars, one need look no further than a Department of Transportation (DOT) Fact Sheetâ€"since stripped from DOT’s websiteâ€"asserting that “The goal over time is to equip all passenger vehicles in the United States with the technology.”

It’s Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s support for initiatives like this one, and other efforts that veer far from the group’s original mission, that have earned it criticism from its own founder and a “D” rating from the respected CharityWatch (formerly the American Institute of Philanthropy). MADD’s founder, meanwhile, has complimented ABI's work in helping in the ongoing fight against drunk driving.

Read more...