Student Advocate Earns Scholarship for Championing Safe Driving

URBANDALE, IA – May 18, 2026 – As the nation braces for the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer," a period marked by a tragic spike in traffic fatalities among young drivers, one student is being recognized for her proactive efforts to keep her peers safe. Adrianna Beliard, a first-generation college student at the University of Bridgeport, has been named the recipient of the Intoxalock Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship for her dedication to promoting responsible decision-making on the road.

The announcement from Intoxalock, the leading U.S. provider of ignition interlock devices, highlights a growing movement that combines peer-led education with technological solutions to combat the persistent danger of impaired driving. Beliard, a sophomore studying criminal justice, stands at the forefront of this youth-led charge.

A Personal Mission to Be a "Force for Good"

For Adrianna Beliard, the fight against drunk driving is deeply personal. "I have known people who have lost their lives to drunk driving," she shared, explaining the motivation behind her advocacy. This personal connection fuels her ambition to become a defense attorney, where she hopes to be "a voice for those who haven't been seen and want to move forward with their lives."

Beliard was selected from a competitive national pool of applicants. A key component of the scholarship application was the creation of a public service announcement (PSA) video. Her winning submission powerfully depicts a common but high-stakes scenario: a college student intervening when a friend attempts to drive after drinking. The video goes a step further, illustrating how technology like an ignition interlock device (IID) can serve as a crucial backstop, reinforcing the "right choice" when peer pressure is high.

The scholarship provides $3,000 towards Beliard's educational expenses, an amount she says is invaluable. "As a first-generation college student, this support means the world to me and brings me closer to my goal," she stated. Her commitment has not gone unnoticed. Kathy Boden Holland, CEO of Intoxalock's parent company, Mindr, praised Beliard's impact. "Seeing a young person dedicated to making communities safer reinforces my belief that we can educate the next generation with their support," Boden Holland said.

The Sobering Reality of the "100 Deadliest Days"

The timing of the scholarship announcement is no coincidence. It arrives just before the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, grimly known as the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer." During these months, with school out and more young people on the road, traffic fatalities historically surge.

According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes remain the leading cause of death for young people. The statistics on alcohol involvement are particularly stark: nearly 30% of drivers aged 15-20 killed in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher. These are not just numbers; they represent preventable tragedies that devastate families and communities.

"The reality is one person dies every 44 minutes in the U.S. because of drunk driving crashes, and nearly 30% are teens — all tragedies that are 100% preventable," noted Boden Holland, who also spoke as a mother of two teenagers. "I know firsthand the mix of pride and worry that comes with seeing your children become young drivers, especially as we enter this high-risk season."

Technology and Policy: A Two-Pronged Solution

While education and peer advocacy are critical, experts emphasize that technology and strong policies are essential components of a comprehensive prevention strategy. Ignition interlock devices, car-sized breathalyzers that prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking, are at the center of this technological approach.

Organizations like the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) have underscored the effectiveness of IIDs in reducing drunk driving recidivism. Studies have shown that these devices can reduce repeat offenses by about 70% while they are installed. The key, experts say, is not just the device itself, but the policies governing its use. Specifically, compliance-based removal laws, which require offenders to demonstrate a proven period of sober driving before the device is removed, are lauded for fostering long-term behavioral change. This approach shifts the focus from merely serving time to actively proving sobriety.

Intoxalock, which operates the nation's largest network of IID service centers, positions this technology not only as a tool for legal compliance but also as a voluntary safeguard. Parents, for example, can install the devices in their teens' cars to provide a powerful deterrent against impaired driving, offering peace of mind and an objective barrier when a young driver might otherwise make a poor choice.

A Broader Commitment to Community Safety

Intoxalock’s scholarship program is an example of a growing trend in corporate social responsibility, where companies align their business mission with public good initiatives. By investing in a future leader like Adrianna Beliard, the company extends its mission beyond selling devices to fostering a culture of safety and responsibility. This initiative complements the work of long-standing advocacy groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), which have for decades championed stricter laws, public awareness campaigns, and youth education programs.

The collective effort underscores a shared understanding that tackling the complex issue of drunk driving requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves empowering young advocates like Beliard, leveraging proven technologies like IIDs, implementing data-driven policies, and maintaining a constant public dialogue about the risks. As the summer season gets underway, Beliard's story serves as a powerful reminder that individual commitment, amplified by community and corporate support, can be a formidable force in the ongoing effort to save lives on the nation's roads.