Our Houston DWI accident attorneys note that Connecticut has just become one of a growing number of states to step up penalties against drunken drivers. The state initially required installation of ignition interlock devices only after a 2nd drunken driving conviction. But now drunk drivers must install them, at their own expense, upon their 1st conviction.
15 states (including Connecticut) and part of California currently require the ignition interlock devices (IIDs) on the vehicles of first time drunken driving offenders. Our Houston DWI accident attorneys explain that IIDs work by requiring the driver to make a deep lung blow of air lasting several seconds into the device. If the device detects alcohol above a threshold of .025%, it triggers a report and the vehicle’s engine won’t ignite.
For those drivers tempted to cheat by getting a sober friend to blow into the device, some IIDs incorporate the use of cameras to verify identity. And all IIDs generate random alerts advising drivers to pull over and re-test. If the driver refuses to comply, another report is generated. The device also generates reports indicating lack of use of the device, which would tend to indicate that the offender is cheating by driving another vehicle not equipped with the device.
Agencies that monitor the IIDs should regularly review data reports from the devices to determine the level of the driver’s compliance. Non-complying drivers could receive additional punishments including extension of the time period that the IID must remain in use on their vehicle.
The CDC claims that the use of IIDs cuts down on drunk driving repeat offenses by an average of 67%. A 2009 NHTSA report maintains that IIDs reduce repeat offenses among both first time and repeat DWI offenders by between 50% and 90% so long as the IID remains in place on their vehicles. Another interesting number from MADD claims that drunk drivers usually drive drunk an average of more than 85 times before they are caught for their first DWI offense.
Our Houston DWI accident attorneys support the use of ignition interlock devices on the vehicles of convicted DWI offenders. But all the numbers indicate that even if an IID gets placed on the vehicle of every convicted drunken driver, there will still be scores of drunken drivers out there with no IIDs on their vehicles to prevent the vehicle from starting up and careening out onto the road after the drivers have had too much to drink.
For all of the high-profile campaigns the past few decades have seen against drunken driving and the very real reduction in some of the drunk driving accident statistics, drunken drivers who put others in danger of cash injuries and fatalities remain a real problem. If a drunken driver has injured you, contact our experienced Houston DWI accident attorneys for a free legal consultation. We could help you understand your legal options for making a successful financial recovery against the drunken driver who caused your harm. You can reach us toll free at 877-307-9500, or use our online contact features at your convenience.