Tougher Drunk-Driving Law Proposed

Getting convicted for drunk driving could force you to deal with a new way of starting your car.

By: Jason Mays | NBC4i.com
Published: March 24, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Getting convicted for drunk driving could force you to deal with a new way of starting your car.

Ohio law currently requires ignition interlock breathalyzers to be installed in the cars of people who get two DUIs within six years.

But a lawmaker wants to toughen that rule and require it for first-time offenders, too.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving said it supports the proposal. The group said eight other states have interlock laws, and repeat offenses have dropped 64 percent.

But the American Beverage Institute argued the breathalyzer is fallible and should only be required for repeat offenders and offenders with blood alcohol levels above .15.

"Waiting for the second time is not effective. We're missing about 14,000 to 16,000 offenders each year in Ohio," MADD's Executive Director Doug Scoles said.

"We do not think it's appropriate to mandate the technology for somebody who gets caught at .08. We think in that case, a judge should be able to decide whether or not the person who was caught deserves an interlock or not," said Sarah Longwell of The American Beverage Institute.

If the breathalyzer detects a blood-alcohol level higher than .02 it will go into a lockout. But installers said things such as cold syrup, mouthwash and even bananas can also trigger a lockout.

MADD eventually wants all cars to come equipped with breathalyzers even if you are not an offender.

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