RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) – If you drink and drive, you should have to bear the cost — and that includes having a breathalyser in place to start your car. That was the message from lawmakers and advocates at the General Assembly.
Rep. Mike Schietzelt spoke to reporters Wednesday (May 13) about House Bill 1199, also known as the “Seatbelt Act,” specifically Section Three, which focuses on impaired driving. Schietzelt explained how this part of the bill works.
“What part three of House Bill 1199 does is it takes all offenders, who are convicted of DWI offenses and requires them to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle,” he said. An ignition interlock device is more commonly known as a car breathalyzer. It works by requiring a driver to blow into the device to measure their breath alcohol concentration, and the car will not allow that person to drive if it exceeds the limit set on the device.
“By voluntarily placing an ignition interlock device in your car, you show that you’re serious about accountability. It shows that you’re serious about changing behaviors,” he added. Schietzelt said that the purpose behind this initiative is not punitive, but to change behavior. “This bill is about trying to do something that actually works, rather than throw somebody in jail, rather than suspend somebody’s license.”
Chris Konschak, Senior Director, Traffic Safety and Government Relations for Responsibility.org, said that the evidence is clear that ignition interlock devices work. “Research shows that approximately 75% of drivers with suspended or revoked licenses continue to drive anyway. Simply taking away a license does not physically stop someone from getting behind the wheel after drinking.” Konschak said studies show the devices reduce repeat drunk driving offenses by roughly 70% when installed.
Stephanie Ronan, a survivor of a drunk driving incident where the driver who hit her was driving on a suspended license, Rep. Dr. Tim Reeder, an emergency department physician and co-sponsor of the bill, and Jeanette Best, a volunteer with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) also spoke in support of the legislation.