The California car accident attorneys at BISNAR | CHASE have always been in favor of proactive legislation that enhances public safety. The California Assembly recently created a pilot project mandating ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for first-time DUI offenders in Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare counties. This is certainly a piece of proactive legislation that will prevent serious injuries and fatalities as a result of drunk driving accidents. California Assembly Bill 91, authored by Assemblyman Mike Feuer (D-West Hollywood) requires the installation of IIDs on every vehicle the DUI offender owns or is allowed to operate.
Ignition Interlock Devices
What are ignition interlock devices? Basically, it is a system that links into a vehicle's ignition system. A driver will have to blow into the device before being able to start the vehicle. The vehicle will not start until the driver's blood alcohol level is below the legal limit of 0.08 percent. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Californians are sharing their roadways with more than 310,000 drivers who have three or more DUI convictions.
Before this new law was passed, courts had the discretion to require the installation of an IID for first-time and repeat DUI offenders. Under AB 91's pilot program, an ignition interlock device installed on the offender's vehicle replaces the restricted license. With an IID installed, an offender is allowed to drive anywhere. However, he or she cannot start his or her vehicle if the IID registers an illegal amount of alcohol on the driver's breath.
IIDs Can Save Lives
Apparently, mandatory IIDs for first-time DUI offenders have worked well in other states. In New Mexico, for example, drunk driving recidivism has declined by more than 60 percent since the state made it mandatory for first-time DUI offenders to install IIDs. West Virginia experienced a decrease of more than 70 percent among first-time DUI offenders. There is no question that these are significant declines. And no doubt, hundreds of lives have been saved as a result of this new law.
As a California personal injury lawyer who has represented numerous victims of drunk driving accidents over the last 31 years, I'm in total favor of ignition interlock devices on cars of all DUI offenders, whether they are first-time or repeat offenders. I'm also in favor of the IIDs being mandatory in all new cars, and I don't even drink! The number of lives it will save will make it worth it for all of us.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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