Ignition interlock devices are set to be at the center of some lively legislative debates this year. Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are advocating that states mandate interlocks for all drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated. Interlock laws are not consistent from state to state right now. For example, New York mandates interlocks for all DWI offenders. Other states only require interlocks for repeat offenders.

Opponents say the MADD proposal is too strict. As we discussed in our last post, alcohol affects people differently. Mandates take the judge out of the equation, and that seems unfair. The first-time offender who is a sip over her limit is treated the same way a 10-drink binger is treated.

Consider, too, the long-term effect of mandates, the American Beverage Institute says. The day could come when ignition interlock devices are standard equipment on all vehicles. A more sophisticated device than the current Breathalyzer-type models is in the works, according to the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety. The new system would measure a driver's blood alcohol level through air samples in the passenger compartment or through the driver's skin, eye movements or driving performance.

The ABI responds that the idea is noble, but it's flawed. For example, setting the maximum BAC will be tricky, because there is a delay between drinking five shots, say, and hitting the 0.08 limit. There are questions, too, about the air samples measuring passengers' intoxication rather than the driver's.

Still, the association has not come up with an equally effective alternative. The devices have been more successful than other approaches at lowering re-arrest rates and keeping drunk drivers off the roads. MADD and the CDC plan to take advantage of the opposition's lack of other options.

Source: MSNBC, "Curbing drunken drivers: Should ignition interlock be required on every car?" Jim Gold, Jan. 5, 2012