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MADD urges measures to thwart tipsy drivers
Associated Press
Published March 15, 2005
TALLAHASSEE - A bill intended to expand the use of devices that prevent drunk people from starting their car and another that would institute tougher penalties for people who drive at twice the legal blood-alcohol limit are the top priorities in the legislative session for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
MADD also urged lawmakers at a rally Monday to pass a bill (HB 649, SB 1118) giving victim service programs quicker access to crash reports.
Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, is pushing the measure (HB 261) to expand use of the ignition-interlock device, which can prevent a car from being started when the driver is drunk. The bill allows the state to require the Breathalyzer-type device on some DUI offenders' vehicles without a court order if the person wants to get a driver's license back.
Another bill (HB 397, SB 1642) sponsored by Rep. Juan-Carlos Planas, R-Miami, and Sen. Rod Smith, D-Alachua, would allow for tougher penalties when someone is arrested driving with a 0.16 percent blood-alcohol content, twice the level at which the law presumes impairment.
[Last modified March 15, 2005, 01:06:08]
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