State Senator Donald J. DeFronzo
November 6, 2009
MADD Recognizes Senator Defronzo for Work Promoting Safe and Sober Driving
Receives Public Policy Award for legislative advocacy
New Haven — The state of Connecticut has one of the highest rates of alcohol-related fatalities in the country. At a ceremony in New Haven last night, the Connecticut chapter of the national nonprofit group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recognized state Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-New Britain), co-chair of the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee, for his efforts to change that fact and to reduce driving under the influence in the state.
The organization selected Senator DeFronzo as the recipient of the MADD Public Policy Award, which is presented to individuals who have dedicated their time and commitment to promoting safe and sober driving through effective legislation.
“In 2007, 101 people were killed in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents in Connecticut,” said Senator DeFronzo. “While that’s a statistical drop, Connecticut still ranks in the top third in terms of alcohol-related fatalities as a percentage of total fatalities when compared with the 49 other states — and that’s a number that we must continue to try to reduce. I’m honored to receive this recognition from MADD, and I will continue to work to improve our state’s drunk driving laws so that fewer families will have to suffer heartbreaking loss because of alcohol-related accidents.”
During the 2009 legislative session, Senator DeFronzo pushed legislation that decreases the blood-alcohol level for determining if a driver of a commercial motor vehicle is operating under the influence from .08 to .04 percent.
Senator DeFronzo has also served as a staunch supporter of legislation to ban open containers of alcohol and alcohol consumption by passengers in automobiles on Connecticut roadways. While the ban did not reach the governor’s desk this year, Senator DeFronzo led the Senate in again asserting its support for the measure as studies have shown that states with strong open container laws have significantly fewer hit-and-run crashes and see a 5 percent decrease in fatal crash rates.
Founded in September 1980, MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of the violent crime of drunk driving and prevent underage drinking. The organization advocates and provides victim services and education in accordance with this mission.
|
Senator DeFronzo’s |
Listing of Senator DeFronzo’s recent press releases and a Press Kit with official head shots and bio. |
Press Aide Jaclyn Falkowski |
