I know that the Committee has considered similar bills in the past. While enacting additional laws will not by itself eliminate the problem of drunk driving, these bills will promote highway safety through greater deterrence and more meaningful enforcement. In addition to strengthening Maryland's laws against drunk driving, we also need to devise and fund better treatment and monitoring programs for offenders to reduce recidivism. Judges and other officials responsible for the administration of the criminal justice system need to be fully aware of the range of available sentencing and treatment options. To make a difference in the fight against drunk driving, education and treatment need to be combined with stepped-up traditional sanctions.
Judicial action needs to be sure and swift.
Turning to Senate Bill 108, Senator Ruben has been a tireless advocate for reducing the blood alcohol content required for a per se determination of driving while intoxicated to .08 grams per deciliter. This change should be made irrespective of the loss of federal funds issue. A 1999 study conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reviewed the effects of .08 legislation before and after such laws were enacted in eleven states. By itself, .08 legislation was associated with significant declines in alcohol related deaths in five states. This type of legislation should have the same deterrent effect in Maryland.