Jessamy backs interlock bill
Baltimore State's Attorney Patricia Jessamy has thrown her support behind legislation that would make installation of an ignition interlock device mandatory for all those found to have been driving drunk -- even on a first offense.
But she's also raised a few interesting questions that could presumaly be dealt with in the form of amendments or separate legislation. Let's let her explain:
Bill Number: House Bill 743
Title: Vehicle Laws - Mandatory Use of Ignition Interlock System Program
POSITION: SUPPORT
Dear Chairman Vallario and Members of the House Judiciary Committee:
I am writing to you today in support of House Bill 743, which requires individuals convicted of, or granted probation for DUI/DWI’s to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program. The legislation also creates a mandatory minimum jail sentence for individuals caught driving while their driver’s license is suspended for alcohol-related violations.
Studies by Mother’s Against Drunk Driving have shown that alcohol ignition interlocks are up to 90 percent effective in keeping both first-time and repeat offenders from reoffending as long as the interlock is installed on the vehicle. Furthermore, those same studies have shown that first time offenders, on average, have driven drunk 88 times prior to being stopped by law enforcement.
Although the Maryland General Assembly has passed legislation to prevent deaths and injuries due to drunk driving and punish those found guilty of drunk and drugged driving, more can be done. In addition to the pending legislation I hope that you will examine the following issues:
Presently if an individual is interlock restricted and they are stopped by law enforcement while driving a car without interlock they face a maximum penalty of only a $500 fine.
The punishment for a person who circumvents interlock for another driver is 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine (compare TA 16-113(h) with TA 27-107(d, e, f, & g)).
The punishment for driving a car while interlock restricted without an interlock device on the car should be at least 60 days in jail and/or $500 fine.
Despite the small issue outlined above, House Bill 743 goes a long way to protecting the public and preventing drunken driving fatalities and reducing recidivist rates for drunken driving offenders. Ignition Interlock works and has been proven in other states effective in preventing deaths, accidents, and keeping recidivist offenders off the road. I, therefore, urge your careful review and favorable report of House Bill 743.
Sincerely,
Patricia C. Jessamy
State’s Attorney for Baltimore City
Comments
Construction on E. 39 St. (???). This street was posted to be closed between York Rd. & St. Paul, about Feb. 8; due to the snow (presumably) was actually posted on Feb 16. Since that time, there has been no sign of any construction going on. The need to close streets for construction is obvious, yet this street is a major East-West route, and during rush hours the detour (Cold Spring Lane) is even worse.
Surely it would be possible to talk to the contractor(s) involved, and not close the street until work actually begins??
This detour almost doubles my commute time. Surely inconvenience should only be present when necessary?
Posted by: Tim Edlund | March 3, 2010 12:27 PM