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Utah has made significant progress in recent years to combat the scourge of drunken driving. Yet, there is more to be done. It is why KSL appreciates the tireless crusade of State Senator Carlene Walker of Cottonwood Heights on DUI issues.
Her latest salvo warrants legislative support.
She’ll ask the upcoming legislative session to pass a measure that would require repeat DUI offenders, at their own expense, to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. To start a vehicle, the convicted driver would be required to breathe into the interlock device. If the device detects that the driver’s blood alcohol content is above acceptable limits, the car can’t be started.
Utah already has an ignition interlock law. In its current form, though, it is cumbersome and ineffective. Senator Walker’s latest version gives the law teeth. It mandates the use of an interlock device for anyone receiving a second DUI conviction within a ten year period. And the offender would be required to use the device for three years at a cost of about $80 a month.
Senator Walker’s draft measure recently received unanimous approval from her colleagues on the Transportation Interim Committee. KSL urges the entire legislature to move quickly to make it the law.
