WASHINGTON, DC--This week, The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers, applauds Governor Robert Bentley for signing House Bill 361, the Matthew John Dahl DUI Prevention Act. With his signature, Governor Bentley makes Alabama the 50th state to enact an ignition interlock law.

The new law, which will take effect September 1, 2011, requires the device for repeat DUI offenders and those convicted with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or greater. These hardcore drunk drivers are the source of a large and disproportionate share of highway crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, 70% of drivers involved in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities had a BAC level of .15 or higher. Research has clearly demonstrated that interlocks can be an effective tool to prevent repeat offenders from driving drunk and to reduce the incidence of recidivism while installed on the vehicle.

The Century Council has worked to improve interlock laws in more than 25 states and thanks its highway safety partners and commends the General Assembly and Governor Bentley for bringing this life-saving law to Alabama.

About The Century Council
The Century Council, which has been at the front of the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking since its inception 20 years ago, is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; Pernod Ricard USA; and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia and chaired by The Hon. Susan Molinari, The Century Council is a leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol. The Century Council develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns and promotes action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, The Century Council’s initiatives are highlighted on its website at http://www.centurycouncil.org/.