Pushing For A High-Tech DUI Deterrent

More And More States Are Turning To The Ignition Interlock To Stop Drinking And Driving

(CBS)  According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, there were 13,470 deaths caused by drunk drivers in America in 2006, the last year that complete statistics are available. And traditionally Memorial Day Weekend, like other long holiday weekends, sees a spike in drunk driving crashes and fatalities. CBS News Correspondent Michelle Miller reports that one high-tech method to crack down on drunk driving is gaining ground across the country.

Convicted drunk driver Matt Nunn can drive these days because his "electronic probation officer" is riding shot-gun.

"My license was suspended for two years and in order to get it back," explains Nunn, "I had to install 'this' for 18-months."

This...is his ignition interlock. Nunn blows into a breathalyzer for three seconds every time he gets behind the wheel. If his blood alcohol level is too high, he can't start his engine.

"It's a deterrent," he says, "you know it's there."

In most states, courts have the option to order interlocks in cars of convicted drunk drivers, but only do so rarely. Since one-third of drunk drivers are repeat offenders, some safety experts say it's an option not used enough.

"Interlocks are something that should be required and are something that judges and prosecutors should be looking at," NHTSA administrator Nicole Nason tells CBS News.

And they are, as more state legislatures now mandate the use of interlocks for drivers caught with a blood alcohol level above the nationwide legal limit of .08. Seven states have this year, including Nebraska, Washington, Colorado, Virginia, West Virginia, Maine and Alaska. Those states join New Mexico, Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana and Oregon that have mandated the devices since 2005. Seven more, Califonia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Oklahoma and South Carolina, are considering it.

"In addition to having a strong effect on fatality reductions, interlocks are now proven to have a 60 percent reduction in recidivism - that is repeat drunk driving offenses," Chuck Hurley, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

But the American Beverage Institute, which represents chain restaurants, wants the interlocks mandated only for repeat offenders caught driving well above the legal limit.

"A first offender could be somebody who is just one sip over the limit," argues ABI's Sarah Longwell. "A 120-pound woman can reach .08 after having just two glasses of wine. And we don't think that she should be punished the same way as the guy who has 15 drinks and then gets into the car and drives should be punished."

Those forced to use the device pay $125 to install it and $70 a month to maintain and monitor it.

"It's less than the cost of a drink a day for the interlock, so that taxpayers don't have to," says Hurley.

With one month left with his interlock, Matt Nunn is playing it safe.

"I've never failed," he says, "because I haven't taken a drink since my last DUI."

The question is will he remain sober, when he drives solo.

[elcid1953]

I agree with the poster above, who called this "another racket to make money for the states"... I certainly don't advocate drunk driving, but DUI has become a racket in the U.S. I know several people who have been chaged with DUI, who weren't even over the legal limit, and one of them was an attorney. No doubt that once upon a time, DUI was treated too lightly, there were cases of people with ten or more DUI's who were slapped on the wrist and realeased.. but I believe we have gone too far, just swinging like a pendulum from one crazy extreme to another.. DUI laws need to be enforced with some common sense... the has to be a happy medium seomewhere.

[tootall10142]

I had a inter lock on car as case study for a local company. i beat it by blowing up ballons first drinking 5 beers waiting one hour .THE car wouldnt start .but with the balloon i simply let my previous breath into nozzle and car started.great device huh?

[downtowner97]

well said

[usmcvn2]

There is no cure for stupid.

[Marie Zarankevich]

It actually sounds like a good solution, except when it could get thrown off by something like diabetes. -- It is well known that, with diabetes, certain chemicals can be exhaled in the breath, that are similar to alcohol, and can throw off such a test. -- Anyway, that might solve the drunk driving issue, but what are we going to do with the folks who spend the entire trip looking at the people in the back seat? -- THEY value eye-contact more than their lives!

[naucoming4u]

This is just another money making racket by the states. DUI is already a major profit generator for the states. This is just another way to increase revenues outside the tax system.

Posted by FloydZeppl at 07:34 AM : May 26, 2008
...........

Sounds great to me Floyd!

I''d rather see some arrogant, stupid, piece-of-***** get his (or her) income cut in half because of his (or her) inability to act responsibly behind the wheel... than to have my income or property taxes skyrocket just to fill the void left by the mortgage/realestate meltdown.

But this DUI deaths statistic, however, is quite amazing. No matter how many times this is brought up in a marijuana debate, so many people still think Marijuana is soooooo baaaaad for society! (sorry for the tangent)

[floydzeppl]

This is just another money making racket by the states. DUI is already a major profit generator for the states. This is just another way to increase revenues outside the tax system.

You have Mad Mothers For Prohibition to thank.

[shanev137]

By the way here in Arizona, your first offense you get one of these.

[shanev137]

Just another way for a corporation to get rich.