Capitol Connection: Stopping Drunk Drivers

In the United States, 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes every day. And, on average, one in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.

These numbers are devastating, disturbing and completely unacceptable.

The statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlight the need for stronger laws to prevent drunk driving. Connecticut recently took up this challenge and last week we passed legislation that seeks to stop drunk drivers before they start their cars.

The Connecticut General Assembly voted unanimously to pass an amended bill that would require all those charged with driving while intoxicated in Connecticut to use an ignition interlock device (IDD) installed in their vehicles. This technology requires a driver to blow into a breathalyzer before starting his or her car. If the driver does not pass the test, the car will not start. In Connecticut, a blood-alcohol content of 0.025 percent or higher will prevent the car from starting. A blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher is considered intoxicated.

The goal of this legislation is to prevent more drunk driving accidents while respecting mandatory transportation needs. The bill reduces the 90-day suspension on drivers’ licenses for DUI offenders to 45 days, but it also requires the use of an IDD after the suspension ends. DUI offenders will be appropriately punished, but they will also be allowed to return to driving to work, doctor’s appointments and other important destinations sooner. In exchange, the new law mandates stronger preventative technology to avert future accidents. It also makes IDD information available when police officers run a person’s license. So, if an offender is pulled over without their IDD, immediate action can be taken.

This legislation also makes IDDs mandatory for first time offenders. Previously, only those with a DUI conviction were required to use an IDD, and in Connecticut convictions do not come until a person commits their second DUI offense. The new law strengthens protections by expanding this preventative measure to first time offenders.

IDDs utilize extremely valuable technology that has advanced significantly in recent years. They create a physical, unavoidable barrier to drunk driving. While some offenders may choose to ignore the law, they cannot ignore a physical block.

Studies prove that one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of drunk driving are repeat offenders. It is sad that so many people do not learn a lesson from their first mistake, and it also shows that we need to focus on new preventative measures. Police officers and attentive citizens play a key role in spotting trouble once it is on the road, but we need to do more to stop to drunk driving before the engine starts.

An IDD mandate is a major step in the right direction. I am so pleased to see Connecticut move forward with support for this technology. Anything we can do to make our roads safer is a very good thing.

For more information on the legislation visit: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=465&which_year=2014.