Alcohol Ignition Interlock Systems May Be Required Nationwide

First-time drunken-driving offenders nationwide may soon have to prove their sobriety with a special ignition locking system before driving.

While ignition interlocks are required in 11 states and mandated for some in almost all states (including West Virginia), Congress could require them as a condition for those found guilty of drunken driving. It's believed that if installed, they would save between 4,000 and 8,000 lives a year. The issue will come up in Washington sometime this fall; it's getting strong support from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Governors Highway Safety Assn. and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The interlock systems are required for first-time offenders in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah and Washington. There are no such laws for any offenders in Alabama, South Dakota or Vermont. The costs are paid by the driver.