[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 142 (Wednesday, September 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1778-E1779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMON SENSE HIGHWAY SAFETY ACT OF 1995

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                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 13, 1995
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to close 
a loophole in the law that each year tragically claims thousands of 
lives on our Nation's roadways: drinking and driving by minors.
  My legislation is entitled ``The Common Sense Highway Safety Act of 
1995'' because it is simply a matter of common sense: Since it is 
illegal in every State for persons under the age of 21 to purchase and 
possess alcoholic beverages, it should also be illegal for persons 
under 21 who have been drinking to drive. However, the reality is that 
only 24 States and the District of Columbia have zero tolerance laws 
that make it illegal for minors to drink and drive--regardless of the 
degree of intoxication. This loophole exists in half of the States, 
despite the lethal consequences of teenagers who mix drinking and 
driving.

[[Page E 1779]]

  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40 
percent of traffic fatalities involving underage drivers are alcohol 
related. In 1994, 2,200 people were killed in crashes because minors 
were drinking and driving. The majority of those killed--1,600 to be 
exact--were teenagers themselves. In 1993, 2,364 teenagers between the 
ages of 15-20 were killed in alcohol-related crashes.
  The tragic statistics go on and on, Mr. Speaker, and they all confirm 
the lethal combination of driving and underage drinking. The bill that 
I am introducing today will build upon the successes of the past in 
curbing this deadly mix.
  The Common Sense Highway Safety Act of 1995 sends a very clear 
message: If you are under 21, any level of alcohol consumption combined 
with driving will be treated under State law as driving while 
intoxicated. It is that simple.
  My legislation is modeled on the 1984 law that encouraged States to 
adopt laws making it unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to 
purchase or possess alcohol. That law has saved an estimated 8,400 
lives since its enactment, according to the National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration.
  You cannot argue with success. Therefore, under this bill, if a State 
fails to adopt a zero tolerance standard for drivers under 21 by the 
beginning of fiscal year 1998, they would lose 5 percent of their 
Federal highway funds for that year. In subsequent years, if that State 
has failed to act it would lose 10 percent of its funds.
  With the backing of organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk 
Driving and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, a provision 
virtually identical to my legislation was adopted overwhelmingly by the 
Senate in June as part of the designation of the National Highway 
System. The 2 to 1 margin in favor of the zero tolerance provision is 
testament that this issue is a ``no brainer.''
  What can we expect from enactment of zero tolerance laws nationally? 
Four of the States that have adopted zero tolerance laws--Maine, New 
Mexico, North Carolina, and Wisconsin--have experienced a 34-percent 
decrease in traffic fatalities among young drivers at night.
  Too many Americans have been personally affected by the tragedy of 
drunk driving. They have lost a family member, relative, or friend. 
While the 21-year-old drinking age has made significant strides in 
reducing these tragedies, we must not stop there. We owe it all members 
of society--particularly our children--to close this deadly loophole.


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