This month, AAA President and CEO Gene Boehm joined MADD in Washington, D.C. to advocate for lifesaving vehicle technology.

The HALT Act was signed into law in 2021 as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. However, key parts have yet to be implemented, including the mandate for passive detection systems that analyze the air a driver breathes out and prevents a vehicle from starting if the alcohol level is too high. The technology would be required in all new vehicles.

Gene Boehm, MADD CEO Stacey Stewart and Brian Ortner from Auto Club Group, joined drunk-driving victims and their families in meetings with lawmakers.

In August, Boehm and Stewart announced a goal of reducing impaired-driving deaths by 20% over the next five years. Impaired driving is responsible for almost one-third of U.S. traffic deaths, and impaired drivers are often speeding, driving drowsy and not wearing seat belts. There is strong public support for preventing impaired driving, as well as proven solutions. We’re proud to stand with MADD to drive change.