The state of California will now join a national conversation about how to curb the incidence of drunk driving. Many states have changed their legislation and the way that they deal with cases of DUI or DWI. Instead of requiring jail time or loss of a license, many drivers accused of driving under the influence of alcohol will be forced to purchase an interlock-ignition device for their vehicles, as early as their first offense.
This new device acts as a breathalyzer to start the car. If the driver has been drinking, the car will not start. This is allowing many more people to continue to get to work and actively participate in their communities, while ensuring that the roads are safe for other drivers. It has also been found that many drivers who have their licenses revoked continue to drive, therefore, making this punishment entirely ineffective, especially when an innocent pedestrian or driver is injured or killed because of such a driver.
California will hear the bill in the Assembly tomorrow. Under the legislation, a first time offender would have to use the device for five months, a second offense would warrant 12 months and so forth and so on.
