California Assemblyman Tom Lackey Recognized for Helping Advance MADD’s Mission
Assemblyman Tom Lackey
Sacramento — Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has named a California state lawmaker “2022 Legislator of the Year” for his tireless efforts to eliminate the 100% preventable crime of drunk driving.
“For years, Assemblyman Tom Lackey has led efforts to ensure roads are safe for all California residents. His efforts continued in the last session when he authored legislation to reverse a law that allowed for unlimited plea deals for impaired drivers. This year, he helped defeat legislation to allow for extending bar closing times in certain areas to 4 a.m.,” said MADD National President Alex Otte. “MADD is eternally grateful for the Assemblyman and his years of support of victims and leadership to stop impaired driving.”
The problem of drunk driving is far from over. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving deaths increased in California by 20% from 2019 to 2020 resulting in 1,159 fatalities. Preliminary estimates for 2021 indicate another increase in drunk driving deaths nationally.
In 2021, Assemblyman Lackey authored AB 282 forbidding the practice of diversion for impaired drivers that became common place as a result of a 2020 law (AB 3234). The legislation passed the Assembly but failed in the Senate. Thankfully, two appellate court decisions in California invalidated the 2020 law, accomplishing the goal of Assemblyman Lackey’s legislation.
In 2022, Assemblyman Lackey also helped to lead efforts to defeat a proposal to extend the bar closing times in certain areas to 4 a.m.
“I am honored that MADD has recognized our vital work to reduce the prevalence of drunk and drugged driving in our communities. We will continue to save countless innocent lives by working together to defeat lethal legislation, like extending bar hours to 4 a.m. There is much left to do in California to ensure drivers stay off the road when intoxicated, and those who endanger residents with drunk or drugged driving are prosecuted. I look forward to continuing working with MADD in the upcoming legislative session to accomplish these goals,” said Assemblyman Tom Lackey.
In all, MADD recognized 65 state lawmakers for their commitment to saving lives. For the full list, visit madd.org.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 400,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50% and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
