Interlock Ignition Bill Inspired by MADD Passes Senate 30-0

House Bill 2774 is described as a positive step in reducing repeat drunk driving in Oregon.

Police say increased penalties against drunk driving could help saves lives and avoid tragedies like this fatal crash near Grande Ronde, Feb 6th of this year Photo: Oregon State Police

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon State Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Crime Victims United joined forces in providing extensive research and testimony on House Bill 2774 which extends the requirement for Ignition Interlock Devices for those convicted of driving drunk.

HB 2774 increases the time period for installation of the IID to one year for the first conviction and two years for the second and subsequent convictions.

A sober driver must blow into the device and register little or no alcohol to allow the car to start; some devices require a combination of blowing, humming or sucking to start the vehicle.

House Bill 2774 is described as a positive step in reducing repeat drunk driving in Oregon. Studies of enforcement patterns find that one arrest is generally made for every 88 instances of driving over the legal limit. Thus, the average first offender will have driven drunk 87 times before being caught – some less, some more.

MADD National’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which was launched in November, 2006, called for mandatory ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, development and exploration of advanced vehicle-based technology, support for high visibility law enforcement and community support.

For more information on interlocks and MADD’s Campaign, go to madd.org/campaign.

MADD ssays they are pushing for new state laws that require ignition interlock devices to be used for all drunk driving offenders—including first-time offenders.

The National division of MADD recognizes Oregon MADD’s efforts by acknowledging it as one of only a handful of states that has progressing ignition interlock legislation currently supported by MADD.

Crime Victims United’s key DUII members Bruce and Anne Pratt, provided much of the statewide research involved in crafting the bill. Bruce Pratt testified in both the House & Senate Judiciary and had this to say, “An increased Ignition Interlock sanction will give the offender more time to learn safe and sober driving practices, while still holding them accountable.”

Pratt goes on to say, “the innovative Ignition Interlock Device (IID) law in New Mexico has proven very successful. Studies there have shown a reduction in drunk driving related deaths of 12 percent. If we were to achieve those results here that would mean 22 lives would be saved and 240 serious injuries would be avoided in Oregon each year. Several national surveys have shown to reduce recidivism by 50 to 90 percent by offenders while the device is installed.”

MADD Eugene and MADD Portland Executive Directors also testified and provided scientifically based research and statistics. Lois Harvick and Mary Stewart, Executive Directors for the Eugene and Portland Affiliate Offices respectively, who testified in the House and Senate Judiciary said, “The passing of this bill is a significant step that will help further our Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. Mandatory Ignition Interlock Devices for every convicted drunk driver will help us reach our goal of saving many lives each year.”

Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Crime Victims United thank Representative Chip Shields for his sponsorship of House Bill 2774. The bill now goes to Governor Kulongoski for his signature.