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Drunk Drivers Must Install Breathalyzer Ignition Locks

Six states institute laws requiring gadgets

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 2, 2009 1:38 PM CST

(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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Wcadams59
Sep 14, 2010 3:45 PM CDT
I am currently 24 years of age and I was convicted of my first DUI two years ago. NCDMV are making me install Breathalyzer Ignition Lock...for my first offence. I do think that they serve a good purpose, but a little much for first time offenders. I do think that SC has the best outlook on the law. After all of the assessment classes and community service I had to complete was far enough for me to think twice about drinking and driving again; now a breathalyzer for 18 months...
Guest
Sep 17, 2009 10:24 PM CDT
I love this comment, and i love people who lie, tell my you have never ever in your live have ever had a drink and drove home, never once, well you are a god sent child, tell me you have never exceeded the speed limit, once again you are a god sent child, have you ever operated a car without your seat belt on, did you know its breaking the law to move a car with out your seat belt, but once again you seem to never break the law yourself, YES drunk drivers are idiots they kill people YES speeders are idiots they kill people, YES people who are on medication get behind the wheel as well and fall asleep from there medication and kill people, i do think everyone shoud have a mandatory interlock system installed in there car, this would prevent anyone from starting a car who has had anything on there breath other than water. and as far as the people who drink and drive well you where responible enough to purchase a car you can think and drive as well, oh wait i do belive i see people on the road texting and calling people, is this not a impairment, not watching the road....hmmm like really anyone who text and drives is a waste of skin,
Shannonals
Jan 3, 2009 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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