Bolinsky Seeks to Save Lives by Banning Open Containers in Cars

HARTFORD-State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown) testified on legislation he authored to ban open containers in vehicles.

Bolinsky proposed HB-6588, An Act Concerning Open Containers in Motor Vehicles which would ban open containers of alcohol in the passenger areas of motor vehicles. Bolinsky’s main goal in proposing this legislation is to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities resulting from drivers operating under the influence of alcohol.

Additionally, by being one of just eleven states without a federally-supported open container prohibition, Connecticut has had to divert more than $90 million in federal funds away from infrastructure and highway maintenance programs since 2000, having to instead put those highway dollars into “lower priority safety programs” such as DUI education and prevention.  While important, these programs can instead be funded by DMV and have highway dollars used for much-needed highway projects.  Enactment of a federally compliant law prohibiting open containers of alcohol in passenger vehicles would restore those funds for their intended use.

Bolinsky added, “An open container of alcohol in a vehicle can clearly lead to an intoxicated motorist, which can lead to death.  And, even when a designated-driver is used and does everything right, including driving totally unimpaired, there is always an increased risk of heightened distraction when that driver is hosting a carload of intoxicated friends.  Intoxicated friends drinking in a moving motor vehicle are getting more intoxicated and are, categorically, more distracting and dangerous than those simply being ferried home by the designated driver.  It is also important to note those who are not the focus of this proposed legislation, like people at tailgating parties or vehicles-for-hire, such as party buses and limos.  This new law is just a common-sense acknowledgement that we can save lives with an open container prohibition.  It’s a right thing to do, as demonstrated by the other 40-states already participating.”

Mothers Against Drunk Driving submitted testimony in favor of Rep. Bolinsky’s legislation. MADD endorsed open container restrictions which prevent the consumption of alcohol or the possession of open containers of alcohol in any motor vehicle.  One of MADD’s studies has shown that, among the general public, 80% favor the enactment of open container limitations.

Additionally, Skip Church, a leading volunteer advocate for MADD CT, who lost a son to a drunk driver, testified in strong support of the bill.

Connecticut is one of just 11 states without an open container law. Forty other states have already enacted federally-compliant laws to deal with this drinking and driving behavior.