Certain states are following in Arizona's footsteps when it comes to the development of new DUI laws. Joplin Independent reports that there's now a bill in Missouri that would require first time convicted drunk drivers to use an ignition interlock device before driving.
Missouri House Bill 1804, which was proposed by Rep. Jeanne Kirkton (D-Webster Groves) is just now starting to get off the ground. It has the support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The bill would prevent DWI offenders from driving while under the influence. It would be mandatory for those with even one DWI conviction to have the ignition interlock system installed in the vehicle.
Meghan Carter, the affiliate director of MADD Missouri, told Joplin Independent that HB 1804 would be the first step to preventing drunk driving deaths and injuries.
"The elimination of drunk driving can become a reality," Ms. Carter said. "MADD applauds the efforts of Representative Kirkton for authoring House Bill 1804 which will help save lives and end the Missouri subsidy of drunk driving."
Ignition interlocks have been proven effective nationwide in that they significantly reduce repeat drunk driving offenses. Arizona is one of 12 states that currently requires ignition interlocks for all first time convicted drunk drivers. Ms. Carter from MADD says that the state of Arizona has seen drunk driving fatalities decrease by 33 percent since the state law went into effect. The state of New Mexico has seen a 35 percent decrease in drunk driving fatalities since the enforcement of ignition interlocks went into effect. For more information, please visit our Related Resources links.
Related Resources:
- Arizona DUI Law (FindLaw)
- Driving While Intoxicated -DWI (LawBrain)
- Arizona DUI Attorney Directory (FindLaw)
