NTSB: Require ignition locks for all drunk drivers

This photo taken Sept. 24, 2011, provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), shows a post accident view of the vehicles from the Fountain, Colo. wrong-way collision. / AP Photo/NTSB

WASHINGTON A federal safety board is recommending that all states require ignition interlock devices for convicted drunk drivers, including first-time offenders.

The five-member National Transportation Safety Board said the devices are currently the best available solution to reducing drunk driving deaths, which account for about a third of the nation's 32,000 traffic deaths each year.

In particular, the board cited a new study by its staff that found some 360 people a year are killed in wrong-way driving crashes on high-speed highways. The study concluded that 69 percent of wrong-way drivers had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit of .08.

The highlights from the findings: more than 80 percent of fatal wrong-way crashes involve high-speed head-on collisions; approximately 60 percent of wrong-way driving accidents involve alcohol; 78 percent of fatal wrong-way crashes occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.; 15 percent of wrong-way accidents are caused by drivers over 70; and a majority of wrong-way crashes occur in the fast lane.

Seventeen states already have laws requiring use of the device by all convicted drunk drivers.

Remember when criminal enforcement was one of the governmental powers reserved to the states?

[melpereira]

Why add an ignition switch only to those who have already driven drunk? Why not include it on all new cars? Period.

If you want to drive a car (or a boat, train, plane, etc.) you have to prove that you are sober enough to do so.

You'd think the insurance industry would be the first to push this type of technology.

[Scimajor]

I have no pity for people who drive while drunk (my father did so frequently when I was a child).

An easier solution to the problem is to deny them the right to have a drivers license, register a vehicle and obtain vehicle insurance. Oh and take their car and sell it with proceeds going to victims of drunk drivers.

If they still somehow drive them put them in jail for a very long time.

[WhereisOT]

That include drunk drivin judges and lawmakers..
Oh, must be convicted...
"officer discretion" front & center...