Archive for November, 2009

In the wake of realizing the serious consequences of drunken driving offences, several measures are being taken both the government and private agencies to curb the incidence of drinking and driving accidents. One such measure is the introduction of Ignition Locks in vehicles that will not allow the vehicle to start where the driver tests alcohol in his breathe.

Ignition Locks Mandate for First Time DWI Offenders

Have you ever been convicted under a DWI charge? There are 8 states in the nation that have mandated the fixing of ignition locks in the vehicles of those who have been convicted under DWI charge even once. Usage of ignition locking devices is seen more as a preventive measure than a penalty imposition.


By mandating the fixing of Ignition locks in the vehicles, it amounts to the cars preventing the driver from driving it when he/she is under the influence of alcohol. States namely Nebraska, Illinois, Alaska, Washington and Colorado have joined the bandwagon of mandating Ignition locking devices in the vehicles of those who have been convicted under the DWI legalities even once. Arizona, Louisiana and New Mexico are the first three states to introduce this mandate, out of which New Mexico is the first state to introduce this rule in early 2005. With the current count of states mandating ignition locks increasing to 8, even first time offenders are required to fix an ignition locking device in their vehicle in these 8 states.


A few organizations especially the liquor industry has expressed its opposition to the introduction of mandatory ignition locks in the vehicles. According to the American Beverage Institute (ABI), inspite of their support to the usage of ignition devices for repeat offenders, first time offender rule was not in consensus with them. According to Sarah Longwell of ABI the freedom of having a sip of wine or champagne at a party or wedding is being greatly restricted because of this rule.

Reduced DWI Fatal Accidents

Considering the fact that ignition interlock devices are rarely prescribed by the law, many organizations especially MADD have been demanding for introducing ignition locks even for the first time offenders and have so far been successful in 8 states across the nation.


The state of South Carolina has introduced mandate of ignition lock devices for repeat DWI offenders. It is the only state in the nation that has introduced the mandate for repeat offenders.


Ignition Lock Devices have been successful in reducing the chances of fatal DWI accidents thereby curbing the bane of drunken driving right at its inception. There is a 20% drop in the number of DWI deaths in the country with the help of ignition lock devices.


Sometimes we are left with limited options to curb the growing menace of DWI accidents and ignition lock devices is one such effective instrument to stop drunken driving accidents right in the beginning. If you disagree with this view point write to us with reasoning.

Use and abuse of alcohol have been a frequent topic for discussion in our forum. We have seen number resultant reactions of alcohol abuse and domestic violence is one of them

Alcohol Abuse – The Menace

Alcohol and its consumption as a topic is frequently being visited and more often than normal many regulations keep coming up whose main intent is to curb the consumption of alcohol. All these measures are to primarily stop the abuse of alcohol. Alcoholics often end up involving themselves in such activities that causes both physical and emotional torture and disturbance.


Activities such as driving while intoxicated, domestic violence, partner or spousal violence, health related complications are all the aftermath of alcohol abuse. It is more a menace than a problem. Inspite of number of regulations being laid out to curb the unwanted disturbances as a result of alcohol overdose, activities like driving under the influence of alcohol, partner or domestic violence seem keep happening.

Alcohol Abuse and Domestic Violence

Among the various abuses of alcohol, domestic violence is a predominantly discussed topic. While a section of people believe partner violence or spousal violence is a result of alcohol abuse, others see no correlation between the two. Seriously looking into the issue of domestic violence, in most of the occasions either of the partners is drunk. Which makes it clear that, the chances of violence are more when a person is drunk as he completely looses control over his mind and body.


What is meant by Domestic Violence? It is a state or a condition where the person is subject to both physical and emotional torture like hitting, shoving, beating, verbal abuse and such similar unethical acts causing pain and grief to the victim. Research also makes it clear that in only 25% of the domestic violence cases one of the couple is drunk and such an incident did take place due to alcohol abuse. It also stands to mean that 75% of alcohol abuse cases where not due to alcohol abuse.


Domestic violence also known as spousal violence, dating violence, the victim in all these cases is either the spouse or the dating partner. There are very few cases of alcohol abuse where the victims of domestic violence are parents or any other person. Given the facts domestic violence seems to be a problem more to do with attitude of the people than with the abuse of alcohol.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is an issue of serious concern. With the increase in the percentage of drunken driving accidents, addressing drivers who drive their vehicle under influence of alcohol has become serious issue.

Penalties for Drunk Driving

Imposing penalties on those individuals who engage in drinking and driving is to curb their drinking and driving habit. Advisory notes and warnings were not effective in stopping the incidence of DWI accidents and mishaps. Efforts to create awareness among public especially among the drinking population about the dangers and risks involved in drinking and driving do not have a wide reach.
It is only by punishing those who exhibit irresponsibility and carelessness can the menace of Drunk Driving be curtailed seriously. The regulations, penalties and punishments prescribed for DWI convicts have been tabled for your reference and clarity.

It is easy to pass a law and impose punishments, what is difficult is to drive the issue clearly in the minds of people who repeatedly violate law and endanger both their lives and the lives of all others on road. So friends, hope this article was as effective as informative. Please write to us a changing incident that helped you stop a drinking and driving.