Drive safely and responsibly. What do these words mean to you? Is this what comes to mind before someone decides to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol? We hope so. Yet many people don’t plan far enough in advance for a designated driver and don’t even think about calling a taxi to get them home safely. The truth is, driving responsibly is hard to do when you have had too much to drink. It’s also hard to make responsible decisions because too much alcohol impairs our brain’s ability to think rationally and reasonably.
How Much Is Too Much Alcohol?
In North Carolina, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) .08 or higher. Penalties under the current regulation in North Carolina include court fees, attorney fees, drivers license suspension and court ordered DWI assessments and or treatment. The problem is even with the stiff penalties already in place for DWI convictions, people choose to ignore the law and continue to drive while impaired.
One third (33%) of all deaths on North Carolina highways were caused by people who drive while impaired. In an effort to prevent more accidents and deaths, North Carolina is cracking down on DWI offenders by enforcing stricter policies like the Ignition Interlock Device requirement.
www.RhaLaw.com/ explains what are current North Carolina DWI ignition interlock requirements:
Currently in North Carolina, an ignition interlock device is not required unless
– a driver’s BAC is greater than .15 at the time of the offense; or
– a driver is a repeat offender within a 7 year period; or
– the driver’s commercial license has been revoked
Making the ignition interlock device mandatory means it would be required for any DWI offense no matter how high the driver’s BAC reading even for first time offenders. Although the ignition interlock device is not yet mandatory in NC, our state may change the law, making it mandatory for any one convicted of a DWI with the passing of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (or MAP-21) just this month.
MAP-21 is a federal law that allows grants for states that adopt mandatory alcohol ignition interlock laws for individuals convicted of a DUI or DWI. Fifteen states already have mandatory ignition interlock device laws for first time offenders. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the passing of MAP-21 is a step in the right direction towards their push to have all 50 states to make the ignition interlock devices mandatory for all DWI offenders.
What’s The Big Deal? Understanding The Ignition Interlock Device
The ignition interlock device is an alcohol detection system that is installed in the driver’s car. Before the driver can start the ignition, they must blow into the device. If their blood alcohol level is below .08, they will be allowed to start their car. If not, the device will send a notification to a parole officer or other necessary party.
Related: Why visit the Master Locksmith of New Orleans website before buying a car?
Watch the video below by Motorweek.org to see how the ignition interlock device works.
More About DWI’s In North Carolina
Although North Carolina does not make the ignition interlock device mandatory in every DWI case yet, it is important for people to take it seriously. North Carolina is serious about keeping our roads safe and we don’t think this is the last we’ll hear about this law. Please think before you drink and drive.
If you have more question, Hornsby, Watson & Hornsby can help.