California: Are Ignition Locks for Convicted DUI Drivers the Future?
There continues to be national outrage at repeat drunken drivers. According to amercurynews.com story, Sen. Jerry Hill of California will be presenting legislation that will force former DUI motorists in the state of California to put ignition locks in their vehicles. The locks will detect blood-alcohol levels via the driver’s breath.
This new law would matter to not only repeat offenders but also first-time offenders. The new law would build off a pilot program in place in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Tulare and Alameda. Beginning in 2010, California’s pilot program demands that the locks be installed for five months for first offenders. Repeat offenders could have them installed for up to four years.
In an effort to take a serious stance on this issue, 24 U.S. states have implemented comparable legislation regarding drunken driving.
More than 1,000 individuals in the state of California are killed annually. Even more people than that are injured due to drunken driving.
The new measure was unveiled in Redwood City during a press conference in late December last year. Members of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and law enforcement representatives from Santa Clara and San Mateo were present. MADD has been a proponent of ignition interlock devices since the mid-2000s. The locks are seen as a better solution than merely suspended licenses. The point is that the driver is sober every time she or he gets behind the wheel. The driver must submit a breath sample prior to driving and also while driving.
States that have implemented the locks like Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon and Louisiana have seen 35- to 43-percent drops in DUI-related deaths.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study in 2011 that confirmed the effectiveness of ignition interlock devices. It found that these devices are 67 percent more effective than license suspensions when it comes to individuals getting DUIs.
AAA, the CDC and the National Transportation Safety Board support the implementation of these locks.
If you are in need of an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney, please call the You Are Innocent Offices in Los Angeles to assist you today. With 40 years of experience, Lawrence Wolf and associates will help you through this difficult time. Call (310) 277-1707.
