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.

Drunk driving can be compared to blind rhinoceros on steroids that has just escaped from its cage at a zoo. Drunk driving accounts for more than 50% of accidents and deaths on our roads. Though not all drunken driving cases lead to the death, they however have prolonged consequences that after the fact, drunk drivers are unable to equate to the feeling they had while they were getting drunk.

After a major drunk driving accident, life seems to come to a halt. Many drunk driving victims’ lives are changed forever. Many circumstances may arise out of a single incident of drunk driving including:

• Drunk drivers may end up being prosecuted by the state for elevated alcohol blood content (BAC)
• may be imprisoned for causing injury or death to other individuals as a result of their drunken state
• may end up themselves victims of serious injury

All three consequences inflict serious financial and emotional strain on both the offender and the victims. It may also result in loss of mobility, income source, friends and freedom.


Organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have long advocated a series of measures that would reach deep into the pockets and minds of individuals who insist on driving while intoxicated. One of their philosophies is that adults’ freedom to drink responsibly should be sacrificed if it opens the possibility of removing one drunk driver from the streets. This notion is gaining traction such as having divorcing parents sign a legal document prohibiting alcohol consumption before driving their children. Any failure to do so would result in loss of custody, jail time, or prevention of visitation.

How to Prevent Drunk Driving

We can prevent drunk driving in many ways. Some of them are self-dependent while others depend on the support of others.

• Be your best friend: Always know your limit. There is one saying that when the ugly person in the bar starts looking pretty it is time to go. Never consume alcohol above what only you know are your limits. Never mind what your peers may say, as they are only your true friend if they want what is best for you.
• Always have a designated driver: If you go out as a group, choose someone to be the designated driver. This individual should not be allowed to consume any alcohol and be prepared to drive every one home.
• Be a responsible Host: Never allow your guests to leave on their own driving while intoxicated. You can easily call a cab, take away their car keys, or just simply put them up to cool off until they become sober.
• Advocate for Tougher Laws against DUI: The level of grief brought on because of drunk driving warrants stiff penalties for drunk drivers. Most individuals respond only to pressure in the pockets or on their freedom.
• Report a Drunk Driver: If a drunk driver is refusing to take advice about being drunk, or just simply quit drinking, then it is time for the public to intervene. Call in your local law enforcement that will ensure their safe passage home without causing any harm to themselves and others.
• Seek Help: If you recognize that you are a persistent teenage drunk driver, seek professional advice and counseling from your local substance abuse center. These individuals are trained in handling cases of compulsive drinking and emotional disorders and are always willing to help you get over your addiction.

Driving and drink cannot mix with each other. Still, there are lots of people that try to do this. According to recent research, one drunk driver is killed every half an hour and one person gets injured every five minutes because of drunken driving. When you drink alcohol, your driving ability deteriorates. Further, your motor and mental skills get impaired and you will find it tough to implement necessary routines for driving such as braking, steering and changing lanes.

Every US state has set legal limits with regard to blood alcohol level in your body. It can be measured with the help of a urine, blood and breath test. Teenagers are more prone to drunk driving and therefore there is no surprise that majority of drunken driving prevention programs are designed for them. Apart from state government, various private and non profit organizations are also running drunken driving prevention programs. The significant thing to note about these programs is that they are tailor made for all age groups. This is important because the whole issue of drunk driving is prevalent across groups.

Find below details of some of the drunk driving prevention programs.

Impaired Driving (Drugs and Alcohol) Safety Program

With Impaired Driving (Drugs and Alcohol) Safety Program, you will get all the details and figures with regard to drunk driving and emergency care that is needed for patients. This program is conducted by the division of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has hundreds of chapters that help drunken driving victims at local level. They have also launched a 24-hour hotline to give assistance to drunken driving victims and their families.

Remove Intoxicated Drivers (RID)-USA, Inc.

The main objective of Remove Intoxicated Drivers (RID)-USA, Inc is to deter teen binge drinking and impaired driving. With Remove Intoxicated Drivers (RID)-USA, Inc, you will get to know about alcohol poisoning and drunk driving.

America’s Partners to Prevent Underage Drinking

America’s Partners to Prevent Underage Drinking is a national level drunk driving prevention program whose main objective is to make sure that youth of today does not get involved in drinking. America’s Partners to Prevent Underage Drinking makes its presence felt through parents, religious leaders, public health workers and teachers.

BACCHUS and GAMMA Peer Education Network

The BACCHUS and GAMMA Peer Education Network is an international level drunk driving prevention program where all the emphasis is on alcohol abuse prevention.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

This program is conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reduce the drunken driving cases across US.