The war on drunk driving in Connecticut has stalled and stalemated. In recent years, the number of fatal drunk driving accidents — about 100 a year — has barely budged.
Breaking the deadlock is vital in this critical battle, which is why I strongly support legislation expanding use of interlock ignition devices to the first-time offenders.
Simply put, interlock ignition devices save lives. The majority of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive during their year-long license suspensions. A bill pending before the General Assembly would increase to 18 months license suspension for first time drunken driving convictions, but allow drivers back behind the wheel in six months if they agree to an interlock ignition device for a year.
This change attacks a major cause of alcohol-related accidents — the first-time convicted drunken driver back on the road with a suspended license. Under the bill, first offenders would face a longer license suspension unless they agree to an interlock ignition device, preventing them from driving if they drink even a small amount of alcohol.
The bill creates a powerful incentive for first-time offenders to agree to these proven life savers, reducing the likelihood that they will drive drunk. In addition, these devices are a powerful psychological deterrent, constantly reminding the convicted drunk driver that they must change behavior.
Research confirms the effectiveness and reliability of interlock ignition devices. More than 20 studies have shown they slash recidivism by 50 to 90 percent. Advancing technology has made these devices highly reliable, preventing a driver, for example, from disabling or deceiving them.
Expanding use of interlock ignition devices is simple common sense — not the only solution or panacea — but a sound, solid public safety step that will help stop the scourge of drunken driving. Applying this technology more widely will reduce drunk driving deaths and injuries, saving lives and dollars and sparing anguish.
Richard Blumenthal is the Connecticut attorney general.
