[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNITION FOR RID-REMOVE INTOXICATED DRIVERS

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, 1998 marks the 20th anniversary of 
RID-Remove Intoxicated Drivers. Formed in 1978 by Doris Aiken in New 
York, the organization has focused its efforts on educating the public 
on the impact of abusive alcohol use, offering support for the victims 
of drunk drivers and advocating for stricter laws on DWI.
  RID has lobbied for the enactment of laws that will eliminate plea 
bargains for repeat offenders and funds for anti-DWI enforcement. With 
all their hard work, RID is able to claim credit for high safety 
ratings experienced in New York State. RID has also advocated for the 
lowering of the blood alcohol content from .1% to .08% as well as 
enhanced penalties for drunk drivers whose passengers are minors.
  The National Highway Traffic Safety recognized the accomplishments of 
RID and awarded them the 1998 Public Service Award for their effective 
campaign to deter drunk driving. Their efforts contributed to New York 
being selected as having one of the safest records against drunk 
driving in the Nation for the fifth year.
  In 1996, over 17,000 people died in drunk driving accidents, 
accounting for 41% of the total traffic fatalities of that year. While 
there was a 29% reduction from the alcohol related fatalities in 1986, 
it is still high--17,126 people too high. The senseless death of these 
individuals, the pain and anguish experienced by the family and friends 
and the hundreds of thousands who were injured can never truly be 
expressed through statistics. RID's accomplishments are for these 
victims and for potential victims of alcohol-related accidents.
  I would like to add my congratulations to the many that RID has 
already received--on being recognized for their achievements in curbing 
drunk driving and on their 20 years of public service.

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