• 01
  • February
    2012

Advocacy group MADD Ranks Indiana as 11th out of the fifty states and DC for total DUI-related traffic deaths. In 2010, there were 195 fatalities from drunk driving auto accidents in the state. One way states are seeking to combat drunk driving is to have ignition interlock systems be routinely ordered for those convicted of DUIs .

The interlock systems work by preventing the operation of a vehicle when the driver's blood alcohol concentration is above a specified level set by the legislature. This amount is below the legal limit of .08, as when a person has been drinking it takes a few minutes for the alcohol to be absorbed by the blood. The ignition interlock systems allow those convicted of DUIs to continue to operate their vehicles and ensure the safety of others on the road.

Currently in Indiana, the legislature does not require mandatory ignition locks for convicted DUI offenders, as it is up to the discretion of the trial judge to order the device. MADD is currently lobbying state legislatures to make ignition locks mandatory for all individuals convicted of DUI. The group claims that in Hancock County, Indiana, alcohol ignition interlock installation rates increased from 20 percent to 62 percent when the alternative was electronic monitoring. They also claim these policies alone reduced DWI/DUI rates by 40 percent for first offenders and 22 percent for repeat offenders.

Should the legislature order mandatory ignition locks for convicted DUI offenders, or should it remain within the sole discretion of the trial court?

Doehrman Chamberlain - Indianapolis injury lawyers