Bill passed to require ignition system for drunk drivers

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Alcohol detection devices would be installed in the vehicles of repeat drunken drivers under legislation approved today by the Oklahoma House.<br/><br/>Ignition interlock devices prevent

Friday, May 6th 2005, 6:04 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Alcohol detection devices would be installed in the vehicles of repeat drunken drivers under legislation approved today by the Oklahoma House.

Ignition interlock devices prevent people who have alcohol in their system from driving by linking a vehicle's ignition to a blood alcohol measuring device. If there is measurable alcohol, the vehicle won't start.

Under the bill, anyone convicted of a second or subsequent offense of driving under the influence of alcohol would have their vehicle outfitted with an interlock device for a 12-month period.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports about one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of DUI are repeat offenders. In addition, the agency says drivers with prior DUI convictions have a greater risk of involvement in a fatal crash.