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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
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Drunk Drivers Must Install Breathalyzer Ignition Locks

Six states institute laws requiring gadgets

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(AP) – Motorists convicted of driving drunk will have to install breath-monitoring gadgets in their cars under new laws taking effect in six states this week, the AP reports. The ignition interlocks prevent engines from starting until drivers blow into the alcohol detectors to prove they're sober. Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, and Washington state yesterday began requiring the devices for all motorists convicted of first-time drunken driving. South Carolina requires them for repeat offenders.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has been conducting a nationwide campaign to mandate ignition locks for anyone convicted of drunken driving, claiming they will save thousands of lives. "It's amazingly inconvenient," said an Illinois MADD official. "But the flip side of the inconvenience is death."

A photo provided by Smart Start shows the company's Smart Start 20/20 Ignition Interlock device, a handheld breath-alcohol monitoring device that is wired to a vehicle's ignition system.
A photo provided by Smart Start shows the company's Smart Start 20/20 Ignition Interlock device, a handheld breath-alcohol monitoring device that is wired to a vehicle's ignition system.   (AP Photo/Smart Start, Inc.)
The Alcoscan AL2500 Breathalyzer.
The Alcoscan AL2500 Breathalyzer.   (Flickr)
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It's amazingly inconvenient. But the flip side of the inconvenience is death. - David Malham, of the Illinois chapter of MADD.

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Doctor_Supercilious
Jan 2, 09 2:24 PM CST
Why not outlaw parking lots for bars. Maybe we should just lower the limit to .01 and shoot people on the spot found to exceeding said limit. Reply
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Shannonals
Jan 2, 09 5:00 PM CST
This is outstanding, should have been conducted years ago. If the court system is continually letting these idiots run around the community, the least it can do, (because evidently taking vehicles and licenses isn't working), is prevent these waste of skins driving around hurting others. Need to make it a felon charge to others that allow them to use their vehicles Reply
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Mr.C
Jan 2, 09 9:48 PM CST
I think it is a bit much for first time offenders given that you can get a drunk driving ticket for just being in your car. SC's rule seems good. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Shannonals
Jan 3, 09 8:32 PM CST
You wouldn't think a bit much if a loved one died from someone on their first offense
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Alaska • crime • South Carolina • DUI • Nebraska • Washington • drunk driving • Illinois • Colorado • cars • Mothers Against Drunk Driving • ignition locks

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