ONDCP and MADD Join Forces to Combat Drugged Driving

Today, Director Kerlikowske and MADD announced a new partnership to raise public awareness regarding the consequences of drugged driving.

 According to a new ONDCP analysis of 2009 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) census, roughly one in four (23 percent) of fatally injured drivers who tested positive for drugs were under the age of 25. To combat this alarming trend, ONDCP released a drugged driving toolkit at today’s event and MADD promoted their national effort to provide support to the victims of poly-abuse (both alcohol and drugs) and drugged driving and recognized law enforcement officers for their achievements in drugged driving enforcement

 “Research shows that drugs have adverse effects on judgment, reaction time, and motor skills – all vital requirements for responsible driving,” said Kerlikowske. “I can think of no greater organization with which to partner to save lives on our roadways than MADD. For decades, MADD has been a lynchpin in our Nation’s efforts to make our roadways safer and I am proud to join them to help raise public awareness regarding the devastating consequences of drugged driving.” 

Read the press release
View the data analysis
Learn more about drugged driving