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JAHawaii To Have DUI Locks
Hawaii will begin using ignition locks for repeat DUI offenders. A bill passed by the state legislature and set for approval by Governor Linda Lingle will make those caught while driving under the influence subject to using a car breathalyzer in order to operate their vehicles. Seventy-nine people died in alcohol-related crashes last year, almost half of all Hawaii traffic fatalities. That's up from 58 alcohol-related fatalities in 2006. The city also reported in 2005 that 28 percent of those drivers arrested for DUI were repeat offenders.
The locking systems are used in over 40 states across the country. The new law calls for the ignition locks to be mandatory for repeat offenders, first-time drivers with blood alcohol content over .16 and optional for judges for those with a blood level below .15 percent. Statistics show that the use of the locks has resulted in a decline of 50 to 95 percent. The lock works by having the driver breathe into a device that is connected to the cars ignition system. To help prevent fraud, the device also takes a digital picture of the person blowing into the device. As an added deterrent, it can also ask for retests as the person drives. If the person fails the test, the car will then alert police by either honking or flashing the headlights.
Advocates for the program say that the locks will enable drivers to keep their driving privileges without having to revoke driver’s licenses. Opponents of the plan cite costs. It will cost roughly $55 to $65 a month to install and maintain the devices. A state task force has been established to consider the interlocks, and has until 20 days before the January 2009 start of the next Legislature to make initial recommendations about the costs and other details about the program.
