Florida mandates breathalyzer locks on cars of convicted drunk drivers

[CShine]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Drunken drivers in Florida will soon find themselves unable to start their own cars if they can't blow a sober breath.

As of Feb. 1, up to 20,000 drivers convicted a second or third time of driving under the influence since July 1, 2002, are subject to the new rule approved Tuesday by Gov. Jeb Bush. Those drivers would be required to have a device attached to their automobile's ignition that would prevent anyone with more than a certain alcohol level on their breath from being able to start the vehicle. Another person would be able to drive the offender's car only if the device was set to recognize that individual's breathing patterns.

Florida is contracting with Cincinnati-based Lifesafer Inc. and Canadian-based Alcohol Countermeasures Systems Corporation for the equipment.

Under state law, any driver stopped with a blood-alcohol of 0.08 or more is subject to arrest.

http://www.canada.com/news/world/story.html?id=23E1C8A4-95F5-4567-B4FE-74FA95F1C5F3

[POed_Ex_Repub]

1. Might not be a bad idea

Just to put it in everyone's car. How many people are killed by drunk drivers? You wouldn't even need to report the information to anyone. If they can't drive the car, they aren't breaking any laws.

[maggrwaggr]

2. an excellent idea

Driving back from a job in Malibu one night, my buddy saw a drunk driver. He called it in to the cops, described the car, the driver, the license plate.

The cops knew the guy. They said something like "oh yeah, that's old so-and-so. Just stay out of his way, he's out all the time".

Scary. The PCH is dangerous when you're sober.