WASHINGTON, D.C. – The tragic accident that took the lives of the Abbas family of Northville in Kentucky in early January has led to a new initiative from U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), which aims to prevent drunk driving through the use of “safe vehicle technology” that includes in-vehicle breathalyzers.

Dingell announced that a hearing, titled “Enhancing Vehicle Technology to Prevent Drunk Driving”, will take place on Thursday, March 14 at 10 a.m. here, according to a press release.

“The Dearborn community is still grieving from the tragic loss of the Abbas family, who were killed by a drunk driver,” she said.

“No family in America should have to go through such a tragedy ever again. We have to bring all stakeholders together to identify meaningful solutions to the scourge of drunk driving, including my Abbas Stop Drunk Driving Act.”

Almost 30 people die each day in an accident involving a drunk driver, the press release said.

The Abbas family was killed by a drunk driver who was driving the wrong way with a blood alcohol content of .306, more than three times the legal limit. Their namesake act would require all new vehicles to be equipped with an ignition interlock device. The Michigan Department of Transportation would have to complete this standard within one year, the release added.