Alabama rates above average but not at the top among states in the strength of its laws against DUI, according to a report released today by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

MADD rated the 50 states and the District of Columbia on how their DUI laws covered the use of ignition interlock devices, sobriety checkpoints, revoking driving privileges, endangerment of children, and penalties for suspected drunk drivers who refuse an alcohol test.

MADD gave states up to 5 stars in its ratings. Alabama received 4 stars. The national average was 3.16 stars. Arizona was the only state to receive 5 stars. Eight states received 4.5 stars.

MADD National President Helen Witty said in a press release that the report was MADD’s sixth since it launched a campaign to eliminate drunk driving in 2006.

“MADD applauds Arizona and other states that have worked to help end the violent, 100 percent preventable crime of drunk driving through legislation proven to save lives,” said Witty, whose 16-year-old daughter Helen Marie was killed by a drunk and drugged teen driver. “Still, the Report makes clear that we have much work to do around the nation.”

The report said Alabama improved its rating by passing a law in 2018 that closed loopholes in ignition interlock requirements. It said Alabama could further strengthen its laws by conducting sobriety checkpoints at least monthly and by raising the penalty for child endangerment from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Read the MADD report.