Ignition interlock mandates for drunk drivers

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Ignition interlock mandates for drunk drivers

Posted in: Commentary, by Gregg Laskoski on Jan 5, 2012 02:54 PM

image: alcoholconcentration.com

MSNBC's Jim Gold reports today that Connecticut on Jan. 1 joined 14 other states with ignition-interlock mandates for drivers caught with blood-alcohol content above the legal limit, even for first-time offenders. A similar pilot program is under way in four California counties.

Joining Connecticut in imposing ignition interlocks on first-time offenders are: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Additionally, at least 24 other states mandate Breathalyzer-like ignition locks for drunk drivers who fall into the 'repeat offender' category, or, those caught with alcohol levels of .15 or more.

Click here to see the criteria under which your state imposes mandatory interlocks:
State Ignition Interlock Laws

What do you think? Is this the right step for public safety? Or is this an indication that government moves closer each day toward becoming 'Big Brother'? Should the ignition interlocks be mandatory for all offenders or should it be left to the judge's discretion?

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pepe1970NC Rookie Author Raleigh Posts:4 Points:180 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jan 31, 2012 4:43:46 AM Ignore pepe1970NC Report Abuse If required in fewer states for 1st time offenders...should tell you something. Two beers in an hour would be over the limit. Just because someone is caught doesn't mean they do it all the time. That's an assumption and can't be proven. Punishment is supposed to be the fines, court cost, comm svc fee's, etc., If states want to punish these people w/an interlock to pay for, then they should take away the other penalties. If a person doesn't learn the first time, they can just move to a state that doesn't require an interlock. Well see how people feel when it's required for EVERYONE, and the price of your vehicle goes up, or we have to pay a fee where these companies who provide the interlock make money on it. In that case, I will be on board. We see how the governments idea to regulate cold medicine has worked with controlling meth....now the rest of us who have allergies get to be inconvenienced.
pepe1970NC Rookie Author Raleigh Posts:4 Points:180 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jan 31, 2012 4:41:28 AM Ignore pepe1970NC Report Abuse Stupid, if required in fewer states for first time offenders...that should tell you something. Two beers in an hour would be over the limit. And no, just because someone is caught doesn't mean they do it all the time. That's an assumption and can't be proven. Punishment is supposed to be the fines, court cost, comm service fee's, etc., If states want to punish these people w/an interlock to pay for,($2,000, Yr) then they should take away the other penalties. If a person doesn't learn the first time, they can just move to a state that doesn't require an interlock. Well see how people feel when it's required for EVERYONE, and the price of your vehicle goes up, or we have to pay a fee to companies who provide the interlock to make money. In that case, I will be on board. We see how the governments idea to regulate cold medicine has worked with controlling meth....now the rest of us who have allergies get to be inconvenienced.
ptpc77 Rookie Author Michigan Posts:1 Points:120 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 4:21:50 PM Ignore ptpc77 Report Abuse the right step for public safety judge's discretion
07skydriver Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,458 Points:628,805 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 7:40:37 AM Ignore 07skydriver Report Abuse Just stay home.
Throroughbred Champion Author Cleveland Posts:1,031 Points:1,210,745 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 4:12:49 AM Ignore Throroughbred Report Abuse It is so sad when we are so weak that we turn over to the government a problem we don't want to deal wtih.....people who drink to excess do have a problem and locking them up does not solve their problem, putting interlocks in does not solve their problems, taking their licenses away does not solve their problem because they still find a way to drink, find a way to drive, they even find a way to drive without a license, they will steal a car, borrow a car even continue to drink when released from jail, find the money to drink even if broke, drink rather than eat. These people have a mental and physical problem that renders them incapable of doing things and reasoning things out the same way normal people do. When you float your brain in any substance, law, government rules and regulations, and pentilites mean absolute nothing. Until we as individuals decide to help these impaired individuals find the cause of their inbalances nothing much is going to change. Law can not do it, government can not do it, giving them one drug to overcome another does not work. In other words there is NO EASY answer!!! But we all do have a tendency to leave it up to someone else, to make our lives much simplier....no such thing as simple. We must learn to deal with many complex things in all our lives and not push them off on to others or pretend the complexities don't exist. Read, study, and inform and equip yourself and others to become a problem solver not a problem pusher. God help us all be the best we can possibly be, to make a difference not just stand around and mark time.
teafortwo Champion Author Washington Posts:17,005 Points:1,026,480 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 2:48:43 AM Ignore teafortwo Report Abuse It is about time. Thanks for sharing PD.
koilaf Rookie Author Winnipeg Posts:25 Points:8,535 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 1:09:51 AM Ignore koilaf Report Abuse Definitely anyone who's a repeat offender should have the ignition interlock. . . after having their license suspended for a decent length of time. Driving should be a privilege, not a right for everyone, and especially for those who are irresponsible enough to drink and drive. Those states demanding that those with alcohol levels of .15 or more use the ignition interlock are on the right track, but I hope this is just part of the penalty. That's a LOT of alcohol.
Caduceus26 Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:1,977 Points:399,585 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 12:14:32 AM Ignore Caduceus26 Report Abuse Government mandates for people who despise government mandates.
Caduceus26 Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:1,977 Points:399,585 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 12:13:12 AM Ignore Caduceus26 Report Abuse Government mandates for people who despise government mandates.
trinda1 Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:1,747 Points:400,215 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 12:10:57 AM Ignore trinda1 Report Abuse Camel1> that's a no-no. If I don't drink, don't treat me like a drunk. Is there a time limit on how long they will need to have this equipment inside their car. I hope there's a time limited.
regout Champion Author Quebec Posts:1,397 Points:499,170 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 12:07:47 AM Ignore regout Report Abuse I don't drink so....
mfeldstein Champion Author Ottawa Posts:6,589 Points:1,616,810 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 12:07:28 AM Ignore mfeldstein Report Abuse DblCheck .... I agree.
DblChek All-Star Author San Antonio Posts:804 Points:310,200 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 12:05:38 AM Ignore DblChek Report Abuse I'm ok with he law, but it will not be long before someone starts black-marketing a device to override the interlock. (and it will be made in China)
1cheapgasin Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:3,659 Points:847,265 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 12:02:52 AM Ignore 1cheapgasin Report Abuse maybe.
joel27nc Champion Author Raleigh Posts:8,696 Points:1,497,295 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 12:02:35 AM Ignore joel27nc Report Abuse Great
Z51Corvette Champion Author Austin Posts:6,723 Points:1,326,570 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 12:00:41 AM Ignore Z51Corvette Report Abuse first time offenders should be exempt, unless it is over 2 times the legal limit. the rest need the interlocks, no exceptions!
thuathienhue Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,685 Points:294,205 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:43:56 PM Ignore thuathienhue Report Abuse So what else is new.
onegiraffeAL All-Star Author Alabama Posts:978 Points:317,335 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:43:48 PM Ignore onegiraffeAL Report Abuse good news
postcard9 Veteran Author Massachusetts Posts:340 Points:257,140 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:42:37 PM Ignore postcard9 Report Abuse Fine with me.
DEG Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:15,893 Points:3,152,505 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:39:38 PM Ignore DEG Report Abuse I am supportive of the interlocks for anyone with a blood alcohol level of 0.10 for even the first offense. And anyone with more than one conviction should automatically have to have an ignition interlock no matter what the blood alcohol level is.
btex49 Champion Author Austin Posts:1,277 Points:240,220 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:38:20 PM Ignore btex49 Report Abuse How sad that people can not act responsibly and then government steps in to "control" our behavior. Eventually, we will have no freedoms.
mitchell6597 Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:3,006 Points:606,255 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:36:35 PM Ignore mitchell6597 Report Abuse Big brother...in your car with you.
fenster66 Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:1,508 Points:311,965 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:35:23 PM Ignore fenster66 Report Abuse this should be mandatory in all states...
jwkycola Veteran Author Columbia Posts:396 Points:242,950 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:34:40 PM Ignore jwkycola Report Abuse Sounds good. Do it.
joekayak All-Star Author Massachusetts Posts:756 Points:407,640 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:29:47 PM Ignore joekayak Report Abuse The courts should do their job by taking their license away and sentencing those individuals to jail who are repeat offenders.
drobbbb Champion Author Maryland Posts:1,923 Points:472,885 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:25:48 PM Ignore drobbbb Report Abuse ok
must87searcher Champion Author Maryland Posts:7,164 Points:1,418,700 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:25:25 PM Ignore must87searcher Report Abuse As long as it helps avoid crashes and collisions, it can be worth it.
dancygreen All-Star Author Twin Cities Posts:561 Points:175,225 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:25:06 PM Ignore dancygreen Report Abuse super!
skybiker Champion Author South Carolina Posts:5,861 Points:1,224,505 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:22:48 PM Ignore skybiker Report Abuse Works for me.....
eblair54 Rookie Author Missouri Posts:81 Points:177,025 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:22:25 PM Ignore eblair54 Report Abuse It is becoming big business in Missouri to get these things installed on the vehicles of convicted drunk drivers. The state and the private contractors are making good money from these devices. Apart from that, I support their use for repeat offenders, but I question their value for first time offenders. The publicity and hassle of the court process is enough to deter the majority of first-timers from becoming repeat offenders. [Edited by: eblair54 at 1/5/2012 11:24:21 PM EST]
carefrey Champion Author Orlando Posts:3,831 Points:813,230 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:20:12 PM Ignore carefrey Report Abuse Okay.
abcdMA Champion Author Worcester Posts:6,139 Points:1,217,230 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:19:08 PM Ignore abcdMA Report Abuse let's make it universal
tippybuddy Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,349 Points:181,560 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:18:10 PM Ignore tippybuddy Report Abuse I can only hope Ontario will do the same thing and stop these drunk drivers...
Number43 Champion Author Lexington Posts:6,838 Points:1,292,035 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:17:37 PM Ignore Number43 Report Abuse How about some real jail time for all repeat offenders. Around here only the poor, minorities, and the unconnected really get tickets. If you are related to a cop then you can drive without worry as long as you don't kill someone.
clermont40miles Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:8,180 Points:1,411,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:16:10 PM Ignore clermont40miles Report Abuse Drink not. Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Isaiah 5:11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Number43 Champion Author Lexington Posts:6,838 Points:1,292,035 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:14:48 PM Ignore Number43 Report Abuse So...they will just borrow a car.
bell05 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:7,410 Points:1,513,810 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:13:30 PM Ignore bell05 Report Abuse At least Ga does it on the 2nd offense and it is very expenseive to have to do it. I hope so UpSol7
DustyHorse Champion Author Virginia Posts:4,490 Points:1,072,545 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:13:14 PM Ignore DustyHorse Report Abuse Definitely appropriate for repeat offenders.
UpSol7 Champion Author Augusta Posts:1,141 Points:431,710 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:11:29 PM Ignore UpSol7 Report Abuse this technology will likely be standard on all vehicles before too long
danreino Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:6,797 Points:1,241,315 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:10:25 PM Ignore danreino Report Abuse Not gas related. But I do wish Minnesota was on this list.
ExplorerWA Champion Author Washington Posts:2,242 Points:434,690 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:06:29 PM Ignore ExplorerWA Report Abuse Just don't ever drink and drive. Keep those drunks off the road.
hamdriver Champion Author Lansing Posts:2,166 Points:1,036,310 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:04:11 PM Ignore hamdriver Report Abuse Old news
geoutpb Champion Author Midland Odessa Posts:3,029 Points:756,280 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:02:24 PM Ignore geoutpb Report Abuse Good idea, keep the drunks off the road. The only way to keep us safe. Drunks have no consideration for the rest of us.
JesseJack52 All-Star Author Virginia Beach Posts:612 Points:124,640 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 11:01:33 PM Ignore JesseJack52 Report Abuse this is a start to folks from guiding a 1.5 to 3 ton+ vehicle
cubez1417 Rookie Author Charlotte Posts:58 Points:20,210 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 10:59:56 PM Ignore cubez1417 Report Abuse I think if you drink and drive you should get much worse punishment even if it is your first offense kinda a scared straight thing but this is better than nothing. My cousins were killed by a drunk driver the oldest was 10 years old
ezone Champion Author Florida Posts:1,894 Points:685,725 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 10:59:13 PM Ignore ezone Report Abuse I don't think there truly is an answer for drunk drivers. They obviously have little consideration for their own safety and none for the driving public with whom they interact on the roads.
HumminRound Sophomore Author Washington DC Posts:106 Points:90,425 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 10:52:02 PM Ignore HumminRound Report Abuse My HUMMER, she drinks and drive... and drinks...
SammyAdams Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:1,197 Points:430,580 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 10:51:57 PM Ignore SammyAdams Report Abuse This is a legitimate function of State government and probably a good idea, as well. The States have a compelling interest in public safety and should be diligent in this regard. Folks that cannot govern themselves with respect to drinking and driving, must be regulated by the State. They are actually fortunate to be allowed to drive at all.
duffee01 All-Star Author Mississippi Posts:585 Points:172,965 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 10:50:18 PM Ignore duffee01 Report Abuse I'm sure that sooner or later it will come down to being like what you see on some of the sci-fi movies, big brother monitoring your every move. Your cell phone was just the beginning...
kymechanic All-Star Author Kentucky Posts:649 Points:352,745 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 10:45:24 PM Ignore kymechanic Report Abuse It's a shame that it's come down to this, just hope it works!

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