Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Drunk Drivers in California May Get Mandated Interlock Devices

Posted by timothy on from the as-punishments-go dept.

Convicted drunk drivers all over California may soon be required to install and pay for the use of ignition interlock devices, at a cost of $50-100 per month, plus installation. Says the article: "State Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, wants to expand a program already in place in four California counties, including Alameda, and 24 other states. Under the proposed state law Hill will introduce Monday, anyone convicted of driving under the influence would be required to install an ignition interlock device in their car for six months on a first offense and a year on a second conviction." Though interlock devices could be fitted to check for other conditions as well, the usual case (as described on this Wikipedia page) is that they base the ability to operate a car on blood alcohol content. Already in California, interlock devices are mandatory for those re-arrested for DUI while "driving on a suspended license due to a DUI conviction."

2 of 420 comments (clear)

  1. Re:How about mandatory felony sentences instead? by EzInKy · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Yes, drive when drunk and get your life ruined. Why would you have a problem with that? I personally believe the same should apply to anyone who drives distracted, including those who text.

    --
    Time is what keeps everything from happening all at once.
  2. Re: How about mandatory felony sentences instead? by Jane+Q.+Public · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    I work with an asshole driving with an interlock. They don't work well in anyones case, from reports I've heard over the years.

    That's because, like breathalyzers, they DON'T actually measure blood alcohol, but exhaled alcohol. Not the same thing.

    And in order for them to be sensitive enough to detect actual alcohol, they must be calibrated such that they tend toward false positives.

    They're a STUPID FUCKING IDEA. Worthy of a police state, not America.

    So I guess next thing is you'll have to prove you aren't driving with a cell phone, eh?

    They drive drunk endangering ME and MINE and suddenly I'm the insensitive one, LOL!!

    NO! According to independent studies, 0.08% blood alcohol is well BEFORE the driving of most people is affected. So you're sending innocent people to jail, fining them, putting fucking Big Brother machines in their cars, and otherwise making their lives hell for years on end... all because you want Big Brother to make your world safe for you.

    And yes, in my book, that makes you not just the insensitive one, but also a disgusting, ignorant, cowardly human being.