Ignition Interlock's...Pro and Con

There are critics and mixed reviews about the expanded law requiring ignition interlock use here in Pennsylvania.

On Wednesday Pennsylvania’s Governor Tom Wolf signed a law that expanded the use of Ignition Interlock Systems for first time offenders, with blood-alcohol content of 0.10 percent or higher. They will have to install these devices in their vehicles for at least a year. This keeps the vehicle from starting if the person’s levels are above 0.10. This is detected by the driver’s breath.

Washington County Assistant District Attorney Jerry Moschetta, who regularly prosecutes DUI cases, said the use of interlock systems “does strike a good balance” by allowing those convicted of a first DUI to keep driving. “When you don’t live in an urban area, the suspension of your driver’s license has a significant impact on every aspect of your life,” he said.

In Washington County alone, 750-1,000 DUIs involve people with at least one previous DUI. This bill can help stop the repeat offenders and keep people on the roads safe.

“We’ve seen time and again that just the suspension of a license is very little deterrent to driving under the influence,” Moschetta said.

There are critics out there too.

“The suggestion to change the law with regard to the current DUI law is the most egregious bill that has come down the Senate aisle in quite some time,” said Phil DiLucente, a Pittsburgh attorney whose practice includes defending clients in DUI cases.

He called the plan “overreaching, capricious and arbitrary” and said it would exacerbate the “very stringent” law on the books.

Those who are required to use the devices will lease them for about $1,000 for each vehicle, according to PennDOT. This is a large out of pocket expense, but it will allow them to continue to drive…safely!

Richard Long, executive director of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association was quoted by saying “The ability to still drive your vehicle is not only a cost savings, it’s something that allows someone to get to their employment and move around the community more safely and more readily than if they were to lose their license.”

Bottom line, what this law does, it helps prevent convicted DUI drivers from getting recurrent DUIs AND will keep people safe and alive on the roads. I see this as a “Win-Win” situation!

“Arrive Alive – Don’t Drink and Drive”!

Reviews mixed for expanded interlock use in Pennsylvania. (2016). Retrieved May 26, 2016, from http://www.observer-reporter.com/20160525/reviews_mixed_for_expanded_interlock_use_in_pennsylvania