WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org), a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, recognized Representative Daniel Zolnikov (R-MT, District 45) with its 2015 Leadership Award.
Representative Zolnikov sponsored House Bill 412, which was enacted into law and supported by Responsibility.org. House Bill 412 provides immunity when a minor seeks treatment for an emergency drug or alcohol overdose for themselves or another person.
Zolnikov stated “I would like to thank the bi-partisan support this legislation received by Montana’s legislature, where it was easily recognized by most groups that saving lives is a more important priority than writing a ticket.” The only opposition came from the Montana County Attorney Association.
Often people fear the consequences of their own arrest when seeking emergency medical assistance for a friend or family member who may be in danger. When someone in America needs medical assistance, a call for help occurs less than 50% of the time. Fear of police involvement is the most common reason for not calling 911 during a medical emergency.
“Representative Zolnikov has been a tireless advocate for the people of the 45th District of Montana” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of the Responsiblity.org. “We can’t thank the Representative enough for his dedication and leadership. We believe Good Samaritan laws have the potential to save young lives when alcohol overconsumption results in a life threatening situation. We look forward to expanding our relationship and continuing to save lives in the future with Representative Zolnikov.”
Representative Zolnikov also played an instrumental part in legalizing ride sharing services in Montana, including Uber and Lyft. Zolnikov stated “Drinking and driving is a problem in Montana and previous legislative solutions of increasing fines has done little to stop DUIs. Legalizing ride share services will allow for the immediate availability of rides during the weekend’s peak demand time of midnight to 2 A.M. Instead of waiting up to an hour for a ride home from the bar, this quick and reasonable option will allow for responsible choices.”
About the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility
The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is a national not-for-profit organization that leads the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking. Funded by America’s leading distillers (Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Suntory; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Edrington; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA.), Responsibility.org is dedicated to developing and implementing programs that guide a lifetime of conversations around alcohol responsibility and offering proven strategies to stop impaired driving. To learn more, please visit www.responsibility.org.
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