Ignition Interlocks May be a Huge Factor in Reducing Drunk Driving Accidents

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is hopeful that ignition interlocks will once again be key to reducing the number of drunk driving accidents this New Year’s Eve. Since Pennsylvania began requiring ignition interlock systems be put in cars of DUI offenders, the devices have stopped 70,748 attempts to drive drunk!   So…

• What Are Ignition Interlock Devices?
• What Are Ignition Interlock Laws in Pennsylvania?
• How Are Ignition Interlocks Saving Lives?
• What Should I Do if I’m Injured by a DUI Driver?

What Are Ignition Interlock Devices?

If you’re unaware of how this device works, it is essentially a car breathalyzer hooked directly into a car’s starter. If the device detects even the smallest amount of alcohol on the driver’s breath, it won’t allow them to start the car.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we understand the devastating impact drunk driving accidents have on their victims, and when it comes to car accidents involving DUIs, we fully support MADD’s efforts in getting laws put in place to protect innocent drivers and passengers.

What Are Ignition Interlock Laws in Pennsylvania?

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have ignition interlock device laws. As of December 2017, Pennsylvania law requires ignition interlocks be installed for all offenders of drunk driving accidents with high blood alcohol levels (.10 or greater), repeat DUI offenders, individuals who refuse chemical testing and for illegally operating a motor vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock system. Between December 2006 and December 2017, interlocks stopped 70,748 attempts to drive drunk in Pennsylvania!

Right now, MADD is pushing for our legislators to join the 32 other states, including the District of Columbia, in requiring interlocks for ALL first-time convicted drunk drivers. The group is also trying to eliminate interlock waiting periods. Right now, there is up to a 6-month wait for an interlock installation after a second offense or a first refusal.

How Are Ignition Interlocks Saving Lives When it Comes to Drunk Driving Accidents?

According to a study conducted by MADD in 2016, ignition interlocks stopped 350,000 drunk driving attempts that year and an astonishing 2.3 million attempts since 2006. In addition to thwarting DUI incidents:

• Laws requiring ignition interlocks for all drunk driving offenders with a BAC of .08 or higher are associated with a 7% decrease in the rate of drunk driving fatal wrecks
• Ignition interlocks are 74% more effective in reducing repeat DUI offenses than license suspension alone for first time offenders
• Ignition interlocks are 70% more effective than license suspension alone in preventing repeat offenses for second-time offenders for the first year of use
• DUI deaths have decreased by 15% in states that have enacted all-offender interlock laws

What Should I Do if I’m Injured by a DUI Driver?

If you or a loved one is injured in a DUI accident, Call Georgelis First! Our successful and experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of drunk drivers get maximum compensation for their injuries, losses and damages. No one deserves to be a victim of such a senseless act, and our trial-tested legal team will help you through every step of the process.

We have won more than 99% of our cases and recovered more than $90,000,000.00 in awards for our clients. We can help you, too, by going toe-to-toe with big insurance and making sure that you get every penny you deserve. Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. is comprised of two former assistant district attorneys, a former Philadelphia insurance defense attorney and the former President Judge of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas.

Put our skills and resources to work for you, by calling us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your claim. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. there is never a fee unless and until we win money for you.