Federal funding is being channeled to a program designed to make alcohol-detection devices available as a new car option within the next ten years, according to The New York Times. While some are for the new technology, others claim it's a government invasion and has no business being in our cars.
"Individuals driving with a BAC of .08 may have only had one or two drinks and can be convicted for drunken driving," said Sarah Longwell, the spokeswoman for ABI. "There is a huge difference between an offender who has gotten in a car and is slightly above the legal limit and a driver who has had 10 drinks."
Our Fort Lauderdale DUI attorneys urge you to practice safe driving habits regardless of the situation. We understand that drivers may be falsely accused of driving under the influence for a number of reasons. And, as authorities continue to push for tougher DUI penalties, the number of drivers arrested in marginal or questionable DUI cases continues to rise.
Politicians are only too happy to pass tougher measures -- and, of course, there is never a shortage of rhetoric.
"We've worked on behavior modification for the last 30 years, but we're still killing almost 11,000 Americans a year," says Laura Dean-Mooney, national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Government officials are now trying to interfere with the driving habits of all drivers. These proposed devices would be set up in vehicles to stop a driver from starting the vehicle if they test above the legal limit of intoxication. Unlike ignition interlock devices, which are temporarily installed in the vehicles of some offenders, this technology would be a permanent feature designed to detect blood-alcohol level by measuring the air inside the vehicle or via a thumbprint. Thus far, officials are describing the effort as "optional" equipment in new cars.
The legislation is aiming to redirect nearly $60 million in highway safety money to a government-industry research project to develop a prototype of the alcohol-detection device for cars. The five-year project is sponsored by Sens. Tom Udall, D-N.M., and Bob Corker, R-Tenn.
"What we're doing is developing technology that won't interfere with sober drivers, will require virtually no maintenance or upkeep and will have such precision that it only stops a driver when their blood alcohol content is .08 BAC or higher, which is the illegal limit for drunk driving in every state," said Shane Karr, vice president for Federal Government Affairs at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
An aggressive and experienced drunk driving defense attorney, Carlos Canet represents clients facing DUI charges in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach. Call 866-7ASKDUI to discuss your rights.
