Lawmakers at the Pennsylvania Senate have once again approved legislation that would make it possible for first time offenders convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol to have ignition interlock systems installed on their vehicles.
The next step will be for the bill to go on to the Pennsylvania House to be considered for passage.
Current state legislation mandates the installation of ignition interlock devices on those who are convicted of two or more DUI offenses within a ten year period. Philadelphia Republican, John Rafferty, is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and is the sponsor of the bill.
Rafferty says that the devices are needed since simply suspending a license is not an adequate way to stem the problem. He contends that, “50 to 70-percent of drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license.” S Rafferty cited that in the states of Arizona, Oregon and New Mexico, when a first time offense interlock installation legislation was mandated, those states have reduced the number of DUI deaths cut by as much as 33-percent.… Read More