Jan 14, 2009 

NEW DRUNK DRIVING LAW REQUIRES IGNITION INTERLOCK FOR OFFENDERS

MADD calls law a disappointing step in the right direction.

Lansing, MI – A new law creates a “High BAC” offense for first time drunk driving offenders who register a high level of alcohol in their system when arrested. The focal point of the new law is the installation of an ignition interlock in the vehicle of an offender who registers a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .17 or higher. The law requires alcohol treatment, a 45-day license suspension and the balance of a year on a restricted license with a certified ignition interlock device.

More than 40 states, not including Michigan, have enacted a “High-BAC” law, while six states have recently passed laws requiring mandatory ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders. Michigan is the only state to pass a “high BAC” law at a level above .15 since 2005. The most recent transportation bill established a .15 BAC as the appropriate level for an aggravated drunk driving offense.

MADD Executive Director, Homer Smith states, “The legislature had an opportunity to do something that would significantly deter drunk driving. Unfortunately, they chose to do less than the optimum.”

In 2005, New Mexico became the first state to require the installation of an ignition interlock for all drunk driving offenders. The result has been a 20 percent reduction in alcohol related crashes in each of the subsequent years in New Mexico. MADD’s national effort is aimed at achieving similar legislation in every state.

“It is difficult to understand why Michigan leaders would establish a law that only captures a small segment of the problem when the data clearly indicates that greater use of ignition interlocks will result in a greater reduction of traffic fatalities. Those who advocated for increasing the BAC level from the original proposal should be ashamed,” stated Mr. Smith.

MADD will continue to advocate for strategies built around its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving which includes:

·         Mandatory ignition interlocks for all drunk driving offenders

·         Increased law enforcement efforts including crackdowns during holiday weekends, sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols

·         Advanced vehicle technology that would make it impossible for a drunk person to start a vehicle

·         Public support led by concerned citizens nationwide