Ignition interlock law in Kansas cuts alcohol-related traffic fatals
State lawmakers were commended by Mothers Against Drunk Driving Kansas Chapter for enacting a law that resulted in the number of alcohol-related crashes being cut in half.
Interlocks, or in-car breathalyzers, require drunk drivers to prove they are sober before the car will start. The preliminary figures in from the Kansas Department of Transportation showed a significant decrease of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the past year in the Sunflower State.
"It really is a shining moment showing that the legislature can accomplish things and can accomplish positive things for the state of Kansas without the real partisan politics being involved in it," said MADD spokesman Chris Mann.
Throughout the U.S., 17 states (plus a pilot program in California) have laws requiring the use of this technology for all convicted drunk drivers, including first time offenders.
"We are very proud pf the progress that we have made with the DUI legislation over the past three plus years, but the best news of all is the success we have seen in the recuction of deaths due to drunk driving," said Senator Tim Owens (R-Overland Park) in a news release.
Last month, Congress passed a federal highway bill that includes an incentive grant program to give shares of a $20 million fund to states that enact laws requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.
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