In-Car Breathalyzer Bill Could Render Repeat DUI Offenders Immobile
A recent article posted on The San Diego Tribune’s website signonsandiego.com talks about driving while under the influence and the consequences associated with in-car-breath-alcohol analyzers. According to the report, a recently proposed bill would require all convicted DUI offenders nationwide to have ignition interlock devices installed in their automobiles as part of a court-ordered mandate. While installation of this device would certainly not be permanent, it would be required to be present in vehicles of convicted DUI offenders for a period of at least six months.
In California, similar legislation was created this past fall that will result in a 66-month pilot program mandating the installation of interlock devices for DUI offenders in Los Angeles, Alameda, Tulare, and Sacramento counties. Reportedly, such legislation put into effect in New Mexico drastically curbed the number of DUI fatalities by as much as 35% during the period of 2004 to 2008. Groups such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety cite drops in arrest rates and DUI-related deaths as indications that the devices are in fact serving their purpose.
