Updated at 3:19 p.m., Thursday, January 10, 2008
Hawaii MADD urges in-car breath test for offenders
Advertiser Staff
A Hawaii anti-drunk-driving advocacy group is proposing that a device that prevents drivers from starting their car if they are impaired be mandated for all drivers convicted of getting behind the wheel while impaired.Members of the state House transportation committee listened to a representative from Smart Start, a Dallas-based company that markets the device to city and state governments nationwide.
The transportation committee is fielding suggestions as members of both parties prepare to introduce legislation to combat drunk driving in Hawaii.
On Oahu drunk driving citations hit an eight-year high at 3,622 in 2007, and 23 of the 68 traffic fatalities last year involved alcohol.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving's Hawaii chapter said the technology will be the centerpiece of legislation they hope to help introduce to curb impaired driving.
The device, which costs between $70 and $75 a month to install and maintain, would also take a picture of the driver taking the test and send instant data to a database that is shared and co-maintained with law enforcement.
