MUNOZ JOINS M.A.D.D. URGING PASSAGE OF RICCI’S LAW           At a rally today organized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Assemblyman Eric Munoz, R – Union, Somerset, Essex, and Morris, expressed his strong support for passage of “Ricci’s Law,” a bill which he is sponsoring in the General Assembly that would stipulate further penalties for those who are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol.  Ricci’s Law (A-3073) would require that all persons convicted of a first, second, or subsequent drunk driving offense install an ignition interlock device (IID) in any motor vehicle they own or lease during the period that the offender’s license is suspended.  An IID is similar to a breathalyzer and is affixed to a vehicle’s dashboard.  Prior to the car starting, the driver must breathe into the device which is programmed to accept a miniscule blood alcohol concentration.  If the reading is higher than the predetermined level, the vehicle will not start.  Subsequent readings are required at timed intervals in order for the car to continue operating.

“As a legislator I believe it is imperative that we do everything we can to reduce the incidence of fatalities and injuries caused by irresponsible individuals driving under the influence of alcohol,” stated Munoz.  “As a trauma surgeon I also have first-hand experience trying to save innocent victims as well as those who caused the accident.  Life is precious and can be taken away in an instant, and we must do everything we can to protect it.  Passage of Ricci’s Law is a matter of enacting sound public policy that will serve as a deterrent for people who have little regard for the consequences of driving a car while intoxicated.”

Last week Munoz’s bill was referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee for consideration, while its companion legislation in the Senate, S-1926, was referred to the Law and Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee.

The two bills are named for Ricci Branca, a 17-year old Egg Harbor Township resident, who was struck by a drunk driver while riding his bicycle.  The driver’s blood alcohol level was four times higher than New Jersey’s legal limit of .08%.

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