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MADD recognizes NJ Senate President Nicolas Scutari as a Legislator of the Year

New Jersey Senate President Recognized for Helping Advance MADD's Mission

NEW JERSEY — Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has named Senate President Nicolas Scutari as a “2022 Legislator of the Year” for his years of tireless efforts to eliminate the 100% preventable crime of drunk driving.

“For a decade, Senate President Nicolas Scutari has made it a priority to ensure that drunk drivers utilize effective countermeasures to ensure they do not become a repeat offender. In 2019, Senator Scutari successfully led efforts to make New Jersey the 34th state to require ignition interlock for all convicted drunk drivers. In 2022, he authored legislation to ensure this law is implemented to ensure New Jersey roadways are safe for all,” said MADD National President Alex Otte.

The problem of drunk driving is far from over. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving deaths increased in New Jersey by 17% from 2019 to 2020 resulting in 151 fatalities. Preliminary estimates for 2021 indicate another increase in drunk driving deaths nationally.

Senate President Scutari has authored all-offender interlock legislation since 2012. In 2019, New Jersey became the 34th state to enact an all-offender law thanks to his leadership. This year, he authored SB 3011 to extend the sunset date of this lifesaving law.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, these laws reduce drunk driving deaths by 16%. Interlocks are more effective than license suspension. According to the CDC, interlocks reduce repeat drunk driving offenses by 67%. An ignition interlock is more effective than license suspension alone, as up to 75% of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license. License suspension in combination with the use of an interlock is our best hope for stopping repeat drunk driving.

In all, MADD recognized 65 state lawmakers for their commitment to saving lives. For the full list, visit madd.org.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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