Hawaii Lawmakers Calling Alcohol Ignition Locks Success

Hawaii officials say a state law requiring convicted drunk drivers to prove they are sober before their cars will start has been successful in its first year.

State Rep. Sharon Har told Hawaii News Now on Saturday the state’s roads have been made safer thanks to an in-car breathalyzer, which prevents a vehicle from starting unless the driver blows into it and registers less than a 0.02 blood alcohol level.

State Department of Transportation statistics show 983 ignition interlocks were installed through Dec. 13. The interlocks kept cars from starting 3,591 times.

Fifteen percent of first-time drunk drivers have opted not to install the device.

Har, who sponsored the bill after she was hit by a drunk driver, believes the program could be expanded to include repeat offenders.