Jan 6, 2009 2:00 pm US/Pacific
New Bill Aims To Cut Down On Repeat Drunk Driving
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
Statewide more than 200,000 people are arrested, 983 people killed and 23,000 hurt, all because of drinking and driving.
Because of these alarming numbers, lawmakers are teaming up with the California Highway Patrol and traffic safety leaders to introduce a new bill aimed at repeat offenders.
There are currently more than 300,000 drivers with at least three DUI convictions on the road. And 45,000 drivers have more than 5 DUI's.
This new bill is being called California's first step towards eliminating drunk driving once and for all by going high-tech to crack down on DUI offenders.
"30% of drunk driving 200,000 arrests we make in the state every year for drunk driivng are for people who have been arrested for drunk driving before," said Assembly Mike Feuer who introduced the bill that would require the installation of an ignition interlock device on the car of anyone convicted of a first-time DUI.
An ignition interlock device or I.I.D. is tied to the car's ignition. It works by forcing the driver to blow into it before starting the car. If the driver has any alcohol on their breath, the car won't start.
Supporters point to other states where similar laws are having a major impact. In New Mexico, repeat drunk driving has declined by 60% and by 70% in West Virginia.
The bill is called "Matt's Law," in honor of Mary Klotzbach's son. Her son was killed by a drunk driver when he was just 23 years old.
Mary says if this law in effect seven years ago, her son would be alive today.
Taxpayers would not bear the burden for this. Offenders would pay for the I.I.D.'s.
If the bill is passed, this would start with a pilot program in 2010 in four counties that are yet to be chosen.
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