On Wednesday, the California State Assembly approved a bill that personal injury lawyers have long been calling for. The bill will require ignition interlock systems in all vehicles of motorists who are convicted of DUI.
The bill was passed unanimously 56-0, and has been sent to governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for approval. According to a spokesman, Governor Schwarzenegger had not yet decided whether to sign the bill or not. The pilot program under the new law would be implemented in Los Angeles, Alameda, Sacramento, and Tulare County. It would start in July, and continue through 2016, at which time it could become law across California.
The bill requires persons convicted of driving under the influence to have the ignition interlock device installed in all their vehicles. Before starting the car, the motorists have to blow into the device. The equipment sensors work by detecting alcohol on the driver's breath, and if alcohol is detected, the device will prevent the car from starting. The sensors are strong enough to detect even a single drink.
Assemblyman Mike Feuer D-Los Angeles, who is the sponsor of Bill AB91, has expressed his optimism that the bill could save hundreds and possibly, thousands of lives. If the sensors detect that the motorist's blood alcohol level is above .08 percent, the car won't start. The system will be paid for by convicted drunk drivers.
In California, 203,866 people were arrested for drunk driving in 2007. Drivers in the four counties - Los Angeles, Alameda, Sacramento, and Tulare Counties - where the pilot program is going to be implemented, accounted for 40 percent of the total DUI arrests in 2007. Every year, 4,000 people are killed in traffic accidents in California. Of these approximately, 25 percent are involved in drunk driving accidents. Out of the total number of DUI arrests every year, an estimated 60,000 are believed to have a previous conviction for driving under the influence. Further, 23,000 people every year are injured in drunk driving accidents.
Currently, more than two dozen states mandate Ignition interlock devices for repeat DUI offenders. In 11 states, these devices are required for any motorist convicted of DUI. In several states, where ignition interlock devices have been adopted to prevent a convicted DUI offender from driving intoxicated, there have been dramatic reductions in the number of such repeat drunk driving offenders. In West Virginia, the number of people arrested for driving under the influence, after a prior DUI conviction, decreased by 70 percent and in New Mexico by 60 percent. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average drunk driver in fatal accidents in California has a blood alcohol level of .18 percent. That's more than twice the legal limit.
California drunk driving accident lawyers, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and auto safety experts have voiced their strong support for the bill. Not surprisingly, the American Beverage Institute which represents drinking establishments, is not in favor of the bill.
The Reeves Law Group is a law firm with offices throughout California dedicated exclusively to the representation of personal injury victims Please visit our website at trlglaw.com. If you desire a free consultation on a personal injury matter, please call us at (800) 644-8000 or email us.
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