Going High-Tech in the Fight Against Drunk Driving
Legislatures throughout the United States are turning to technology to help keep drunk drivers off the streets. Ignition interlock devices - breathalyzer-like systems that are designed to prevent inebriated drivers from operating motor vehicles - are being mandated in increasing numbers for use by convicted DUI offenders. According to information provided by manufacturer Guardian Interlock, more than 70,000 of these devices have been installed in the United States in the past three years alone. The interlock systems will not allow vehicles to start if sensors detect that the driver's breath alcohol concentration is above a predetermined level.
HOW THEY WORK
Most ignition interlock systems consist of breath analysis devices that are wired into a vehicle's ignition system. In order to start the vehicle, the driver must blow into a mouthpiece on the analysis device, which is about the size of a large cell phone. If the analysis device detects a breath alcohol content above an acceptable level, it will register a positive result and will not let the vehicle be started.
In order to prevent a sober person from starting a vehicle, then turning control over to an intoxicated individual, the devices can also be set to require the driver to submit intermittent breath samples (often referred to as "rolling retests") while the vehicle is in operation. If the sensor detects an unacceptable breath alcohol concentration level while the vehicle is in motion, it will log this positive result and may trigger a "circumvention alarm" (for example, the car's horn may begin blaring and hazard lights may begin flashing) until the vehicle is stopped and the ignition is switched to the off position.
Depending upon the manufacturer, the systems can include additional driver-control features. For example, in the case of individuals whose punishment includes time-restricted driving privileges (for example, being allowed to drive only when commuting to and from work), the systems can be programmed to allow ignition access only during approved hours.
At regular intervals (usually about once every month), the systems must be serviced, at which time the analysis devices are recalibrated and records of all positive and negative tests are downloaded.
MOST STATES ALLOW USE
According to a report by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, laws allow ignition interlock devices to be required for use (in varying degrees) in 43 U.S. states and five Canadian jurisdictions.
Many states allow judges to include ignition interlock requirements only in certain types of cases. For example, Florida's ignition interlock law applies to all repeat offenders, as well as to first-time offenders who were found to have a breath or blood alcohol level of .20 or greater, or who had a passenger under the age of 18 in their vehicle when they were caught.
Floridians who are convicted of these offenses are required to have the systems installed in their vehicles for specified lengths of time in order to become eligible for reinstatement of their driver's license, or when applying for a restricted license for employment purposes.
Offenders in Florida who use the devices are required to pay a $$70 installation charge, plus a monthly $67.50 fee for device calibration and monitoring for the duration of the period they are required to use the devices. They also are issued licenses that are marked with a "P" restriction (meaning that they are not allowed to operate any vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system).
MANDATORY INSTALLATIONS ON THE RISE
Before 2005, the ignition interlock systems were employed primarily when sentencing "extreme" drunk drivers (repeat offenders or those who were caught with excessively high breath or blood alcohol content levels). However, in recent years several states have expanded their use to include a wider range of offenders.
In 2005, New Mexico became the first state to mandate ignition interlocks for all first-time DUI offenders. Six states now require first-time offenders to have the devices installed in their vehicles, and legislatures in several other states are considering similar bills.
In Delaware, offenders with no prior DUI convictions have the option of entering a diversion program in which they complete courses of instruction or rehabilitation and have the devices installed in their vehicles for at least five months.
Legislators in California are currently considering taking similar steps for DUI offenders in that state. On May 28, 2008, the California State Senate passed SB 1361, a bill that would not permit individuals who have been convicted of drunk driving to have their licenses reinstated until they have completed a mandatory suspension period and have had an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. This bill was sent to the state assembly, where it has yet to be voted on.
Matthias Mendezona, the executive director of California's Mothers Against Drunk Driving, told radio station KCBS that the likelihood of convicted drunk drivers committing additional offenses makes ignition interlock laws a good idea. "[Driving drunk] is preventable, we can use research and technology to make this work, and that's the logic behind it," Mendezona said.
Sarah Longwell, managing director of the American Beverage Institute, countered Mendezona's enthusiasm, telling KCBS that her organization does not support legislation that would subject first-time offenders who had been at or slightly above the legal limit to the same punishment that is meted out to "someone who has had 15 drinks." The issue, Longwell said, isn't about supporting drunken drivers, but about ensuring privacy and giving judges the power to sentence offenders in manners that best fit the nature of their crimes.
SOME PUSHING FOR UNIVERSAL USE
If some supporters get their way, sentences that include ignition interlocks may eventually be relegated to legal history because the systems would already be installed in every vehicle. Pennsylvania State Representative Paul I. Clymer and New York Assemblyman Felix Ortiz have both introduced bills to eventually require the devices in all cars sold in their states.
Though most experts foresee an arduous battle involving privacy concerns and the involvement of a number of powerful industry lobbyist groups before universal mandatory ignition interlock laws could become reality, the possibility is enticing to some.
"It is literally possible that the epidemic of drunk driving could be solved where cars simply could not be operated by drunk drivers," MADD's chief executive officer Chuck Hurley told USA Today. "What a great day that would be."
By Hugh C. McBrideTo learn more about drunk driving issues visit Drug Rehabs
