Ignition Interlock Devices Proposed in Nebraska

Under current law, drivers who are pulled over for driving under the influence can have their licenses revoked for up to a year. Sen. Pam Redfield of Omaha wants to ensure that drivers who violate the DUI laws are not only punished, but learn their lesson. Redfield proposed to make first-offense drunk drivers install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle for a year. The breathalyzer-type machine will not allow the vehicle to start if it detects any alcohol on the driver's breath.

Redfield's proposition, which has found support, has been broken down into the number of offenses: first offense means the driver has the device for a year; second offense means five years; third offense means the device must be installed for 10 years; any more offenses mean the ignition interlock system must be installed for life.

Redfield believes that while these violators of the D.U.I. laws must be punished, they may still need use of a vehicle for daily errands including work and school. While many support Redfield's proposition, Sen. Patrick Bourne of Omaha did raise some concern. He believes that the breathalyzer-type machine would be easy to override. The driver who may have alcohol on his breath could get a passenger to breath into the machine, allowing for engine ignition.

Mike Hybel, a lobbyist for Ignition Interlock System of Iowa Nebraska, says that most devices detect tone so that drivers can't just blow fresh air instead of their intoxicated breath. Also, many new systems are beginning to register DNA so that the machine verifies that it is the owner of the vehicle that is attempting to drive, making the system more foolproof.

Redfield believes that the digital alcohol breath reader should be treated as a lesson learned and that drivers should not attempt to override the system. These people won't be in fear of missing work, losing their jobs, or not being able to go to school. It is a way for those who have been sentenced to pay for a D.U.I. penalty to carry on as a productive citizen in the community. Sen. Redfield says that the machines now are “sophisticated” and that her bill is a positive proposal for the citizens of Nebraska.