 "Photo: Robbie Eich")
Even though the message is clear that it's never safe to drink and drive, people are still getting DUI's at alarming rates. In California especially, the laws against drunk driving have been getting stricter and for good reason. Now, Congress is getting involved by pushing through a bill that would crack down harder on first time DUI offenders.
Congress has been trying to find support for a House transportation bill that would require first time DUI offenders to have an ignition interlock breathalyzer device installed in their vehicle. An incentive for states that make breathalyzers a requirement on the first offense would be additional highway funds.
Currently, a few states do require breathalyzers after the first offense. California has a pilot program that only affects its bigger counties like Los Angeles, Alameda, Sacramento and Tulare. Even more states require the ignition interlock system when the offender blows over a .15 on their first offense. Yet Congress aims to make the requirement universal.
It makes sense for California to adopt the law. Drunk driving is still way out of hand—even with all the gruesome commercials—and the breathalyzer device could deter many second time offenders. Also, the extra funding for highways could go a long way with helping our cash-strapped state.
However, enacting this law will blur the line between offenders who are one-sip over the limit versus those whose irresponsibility and intentionally drive with a high blood alcohol content. Some offenders will argue that it is unfair for them to have breathalyzer because they have a higher tolerance and know their limit. The law would group all varied offenders together.
Another problem the breathalyzers pose is the fact that drivers can find a way to cheat the system. Offenders could get their kids or someone who hasn't been drinking to breathe into the breathalyzer to start their car. If this happens it defeats the purpose of the device and once again puts the drunk driver on the road. It doesn't make sense to waste money on having a device installed if it's that easy to cheat.
Also, paranoid drivers who believe cops pull people over for unrelated infractions—like a broken taillight—to catch them in a more illegal act will worry the ignition interlock system will be another reason for corruption.
Police officers will be able to figure out if someone has a breathalyzer in their car by punching in their license plate. If the cop is suspicious they could pull someone over to check if their device is working. While this is an extreme scenario it's still a glaring possibility.
Even with all the negatives, installing breathalyzers in cars of all first time offenders may be the best way to deter future accidents from happening. It's unfair when lives are changed forever because an unrelated driver is irresponsible.
Too many people have been or know someone who has been affected by a DUI or an alcohol-related accident. If making those who have slipped up once breathe into a breathalyzer to start their car reduces accidents then so be it.
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