Posts Tagged ‘DWI Accidents’

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 – DWI Offense – Innocent Victims

Lives of those who met with drunk drivers were cut short, leaving behind loved ones who suffer for life. Drunk driving has been a continuing menace for years now swallowing thousands of lives every year. Irresponsible drinking habits of certain individual’s inspite of repeated warnings and DWI laws in place have done irreparable damages to the lives of innocent victims, changing the entire face of the victim’s lives.

DWI Tragedies

Alcohol related tragedies have become an everyday affair. It is indeed heartening to see a column dedicated to DWI tragedies which only indicates the frequency of drunken driving accidents. Over 10 years close to 250,000 people have lost lives due to DWI related accidents.

Victims of DWI accidents those who are alive and those who lost their near and dear ones publish memorials in newspapers in which they express their painful departure and that one incident which had deprived them of a happy family life. Not a single day passes without a death or damage caused due to drinking and driving.

Reading through some of those memorials is certainly painful. That is the reason why DWI convicts are made to face the victims of drunken driving accidents in person and make them share their painful experiences, which will help the offenders learn the seriousness of their mistake, which will help them not to repeat the same in future.

Some of those memorials for your reading

• In memory Of Peggy Caldwell-Heichel’s husband and three daughters killed by a drunk driver - The Caldwell Memorial
• Grandpa had reached the panhandle of Florida, when a drunk driver entered the Interstate going the wrong way - J. “Jake” Penton
• Brian stopped his dirt bike and was sitting there, waiting on Wayne. When Wayne came, he hit him head-on and killed him instantly - Brian Logan Phillips
• When he realized that he was going to die, he asked his Mother “Please take care of my babies. Keep them together as a family!” That was 40 years ago - Bill and Jeanette Brand

DWI Regulations

In order to control the drinking and driving menace, many laws, regulations and their enforcements are put in place. Legally accepted level of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 has been established in order to control impaired driving and consequent vehicle mishaps. While BAC level has been imposed for adults, all individuals below the legal drinking age of 21 years are treated at Zero Tolerance BAC. Any amount of alcohol content in the body of individuals (Zero Tolerance) they are convicted under DWI offense and subjected to suspension of license, fines and jail term.