Impaired driving kills.
Sober driving solutions save lives.
Every 39 minutes, somewhere in the U.S., a person dies in an impaired driving car crash, according to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. The causes of impaired driving are not singular, so neither are the solution
Integral to every solution is technology, lowering the instances of impaired driving. Ignition interlock devices, ride share solutions, and passive alcohol technology work in conjunction to end driving under the influence.
When installed, ignition interlock devices reduce recidivism rates by 70%, per the CDC. Ignition interlock devices save lives every day acting as the final line of defense before repeat DUI offenders drink and drive again.
Ridesharing apps including Uber and Lyft, as well as the expansion of public transportation, can lower the perceived need to drive while under the influence. Increasing access to these services allow people under the influence to get home safely, without getting behind the wheel.
2023 Legislative Wins
South Carolina
Passage of S. 36 made South Carolina the latest state to require ignition interlock devices for all DUI convictions. State law had previously only required the device if the offender registered a BAC of .15% or higher, making this change crucial to stopping more individuals’ attempts to endanger others by driving with alcohol in their system. Under the new law, which takes effect on May 19, 2024, installation of an IID is required for at least six months upon a first conviction at .08 or higher.
Texas
Passage of HB291 requires suspected drunk drivers in Texas to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle if they want to continue driving during their license suspension period. The bill restricts certain intoxicated offenders from operating a motor vehicle with an IID in lieu of a license suspension. Judges are required to order an IID for all repeat offenders, and first-time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 g/dL or greater. This measure took place on September 1, 2023.
Michigan
Passage of Senate Bills 134 and 135 in 2023 expanded the use of lifesaving ignition interlock devices in Michigan and gave DUI offenders a legal pathway to restoring driving privileges, without risking the lives of other drivers. Under the legislation – which took effect immediately upon being signed into law – more judges will be able to order the use of an ignition interlock device for drunk drivers. Michigan previously was considered to have some of the weakest DUI laws in the nation.
Louisiana
Louisiana passed two measures to crack down on drunk driving and increase public safety, with ignition interlock devices playing a starring role. SB 82 is a compliance-based removal (CBR) law, which requires offenders to prove they are driving sober in a certain time frame before the IID can be removed from their car. HB 484 implements enhanced IID requirements for offenders driving at twice the legal limit, including on the driver’s first offense. Both measures took effect on August 1, 2023.
About Us
Sober Driving Solutions is a coalition of concerned citizens and those who dream of a future free of impaired driving. It is led by Intoxalock, the leading ignition interlock manufacturer, alongside others who believe active technology can be used to end impaired driving. Until then, ignition interlocks are the only proven technology capable of preventing impaired driving.
