Impaired Driver’s Trust Fund

Despite aggressive efforts to reduce drunk driving (in the past decade, fatalities from alcohol-related crashes and arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol have dropped by about 25 percent in the state), injuries caused by alcohol abuse are still a huge burden of pain, loss, and financial expense for Alabamians. But in recent years, a unique initiative has attempted to help repair some of the tragedy caused by drunk drivers. The Impaired Drivers Trust Fund (IDTF) was created by the Alabama Legislature in 1992, and it has since evolved into a major advocacy and service-delivery system for Alabamians who have spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. A state law passed in 1993 increased the punishment for DUI violations by an additional $100 fine. The extra money goes directly into the Alabama IDTF, where it helps cover the cost of post-acute medical care, rehabilitation therapies, medications, attendant care, home accessibility modifications, and equipment necessary for activities of daily living for Alabama residents who could not afford these goods and services on their own. Although many people suffering from brain and spinal cord injuries already benefit from extensive assistance provided by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), gaps in service nonetheless exist. The IDTF tries to correct the disparity through partnerships with the Alabama Head and Spinal Cord Injury Registry and the ADRS Service Linkage System in order to expand services to the severely disabled. These avenues include educational assistance, providing computers, specialized communication equipment, and other devices that help disabled Alabamians function better in society. Alabama’s governor appoints an advisory board to oversee disbursements of the trust fund, investigate needs, and report their findings to the state legislature. A permanent place on the advisory board is reserved for a representative of the UAB ICRC. Since the board’s inception, the ICRC’s Director, Dr. Russ Fine, has served in this capacity.