Earlier today The Century Council released this press release:

Virginia Senator Ryan McDougle (R-4) Honored For His Commitment To Fighting Drunk Driving

Washington, DC¾Virginia Senator Ryan McDougle (R-4) has been recognized by The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, for his outstanding commitment to fighting drunk driving. Senator McDougle was one of only 12 state legislators from across the country to be honored for his ongoing dedication.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, there were 11,773 alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities in 2008, with 5,174 of them being persons between the ages of 12 and 20. Understanding the scope of this national epidemic, this year’s award recipients joined The Century Council to keep dangerous drunk drivers off Virginia’s roads.

Senator McDougle sponsored SB 1463, which increases the “look back” period from 5 to 10 years. It will allow Virginia officials to be able to ensure that more repeat offenders be ordered to install an ignition interlock device as a condition of license restoration. Of the 322 alcohol-involved traffic fatalities that occurred in Virginia in 2007, nearly 57% involved drivers with a BAC of .15 or higher or repeat offenders. The Century Council commends his efforts to allow Virginia to take another step forward in the fight to eliminate drunk driving.

The Century Council is a not-for-profit organization funded by distillers including Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Global Spirits & Wines, Inc., Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. Through legislation, education, and public awareness campaigns, The Century Council promotes responsible decision-making regarding beverage alcohol, focusing on drunk driving and underage drinking. Since 1991, the companies that fund The Century Council have invested more than $175 million in its programs.

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