MEASURE TO REDUCE DRUNK DRIVING RECEIVES STRONG PUBLIC SUPPORT

Senator Hill sponsors bill to increase use of ignition interlock devices

AUGUSTA—This afternoon, Senator Dawn Hill (D-York) introduced a measure to increase the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) to prevent drunk driving.

“First and foremost, this is about safety,” said Senator Hill. “This bill will help people get back to work and prevent future drunk driving violations.”

This measure will increase the minimum mandatory suspension for a driver with three operating under the influence (OUI) convictions within a 10 year period from 6 years to 8 years, and authorizes the Secretary of State to reinstate the license of the suspended driver after a 4 year suspension if the driver uses an ignition interlock device for four years.

The issue was brought to Senator Hill’s attention by a constituent who would like to install an ignition interlock device in his vehicle so that he can regain his license and get back to work.

During public testimony in front of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, William Pratt of York said, “This bill would make me eligible for an interlocking device to be installed on my truck, and my life style would be immensely improved instantly. Having been without a license for going on seven years, I truly appreciate that a driver’s license is a privilege and would treat it that way.”

According to Robert O’Connell, Director of Legal Affairs, Adjudications, and Hearings at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the general recidivism rate for OUI offenses in 2012 was 26% compared with 1.5% for those who have had IIDs installed since 2009.

“Through my conversations with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, I’ve learned the ignition interlock devices are working well,” said Senator Hill. “If it works, let’s make it available to more people.”

Both Pratt and O’Connell testified in support of the measure, LD 85 An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicle Ignition Interlock Device Requirements in the Laws Regarding Operating Under the Influence. No one testified against the bill, which will be scheduled for a work session later this spring.

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