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Published Saturday, November 29, 2008 in Opinion
MADD plans push for even tougher DUI laws in Georgia
Editorial
If you traveled by vehicle this Thanksgiving weekend, you probably noticed traffic enforcement officers did not take the weekend off. They were out in numbers working diligently to make our roadways safe for holiday traffic.
With the arrival of the holiday season, law enforcement agencies again are stepping up patrols. They are particularly cracking down on drunk drivers.
Morris News Service in Atlanta reported late last week there has been a drop in drunk-driving deaths in the past two years in our state. That drop is primarily attributed to increased crackdown by law enforcement and stiffer drunk driving laws in our state that mandate tougher penalties for drunk driving.
The Morris News report also talked to Mothers Against Drunk Driving officials who say they will be lobbying for even tougher DUI laws in our state when the General Assembly convenes in Atlanta in January.
MADD will push for lawmakers to require DUI offenders to have ignition interlock devices -- an electronic gadget that keeps a car from starting unless the driver's breath is alcohol-free -- installed on their vehicles after their first DUI conviction.
Judges currently can require two-time DUI offenders to use the ignition interlocks.
The Morris News report pointed out New Mexico was the first state to enact the ignition interlocks law to first-time offenders. MADD says since New Mexico took that step alcohol-related traffic fatalities have declined 20 percent in the state.
While Georgia's alcohol-related deaths have declined, that decline was 3 percent -- a small amount compared to a decline of 20 percent.
We think it would be wise for our lawmakers to listen to MADD when it makes its pitch for interlock devices in the upcoming legislative session.
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I criss-crossed the city of Newnan during the holidays for my job, and boy, did I see some incompacitated drivers. Where was the enforcement? I saw more police at the shopping centers Friday than on the roads all weekend! No matter how strict the laws, they won't be effective if not enforced.
Posted by local driver at 4:42 PM
Way to go MADD! The progress that they have helped Georgia gain is very much appreciated. I'll support any piece of legislation that punishes drunk drivers more severely.
Posted by Katie at 4:01 PM
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DUI Enforcement
12/12/2008
Link To This Comment
MADD performs a vital service and is instrumental in keeping our roads and highways safe. Some atttention should be given to vigorous enforcement of current lawsas well. Although mandated to publish the names of DUI offenders, Atlanta does not although the fees for publication are charges. Other jurisdictions in the Metro area should also be reviewed.
Posted by whistleblower at 1:02 AM