State to enact new BAC law

A new device that checks a driver's blood alcohol content will soon be required by law to be installed into offender's vehicles that have more than one drunken driving violation. \nState Representatives Ryan Dvorak, Bob Bischoff and Dennie Oxley are working together to demand tougher penalties against Indiana citizens who have been charged with driving while intoxicated.\n"This law is designed to have a serious impact on repeat offenders," said Ryan Dvorak, D-South Bend. "Public Law 76 allows counties that have an ignition interlock program to let the courts authorize a machine to be installed into an automobile that checks the driver's breath before the car can start." \nDvorak wants to target repeat offenders with Public Law 76. Repeat offenders are a high-risk danger for other drivers. \n"In Illinois, seven out of 10 drunken driving offenders choose to have a suspended driver's license than have a Breathalyzer installed into their vehicle," Dvorak said. "Therefore, these offenders can continue to drink." \nWith Public Law 76, the Breathalyzer device will be required for repeat offenders who are driving with a probationary license. The state will not cover the cost of installing the Breathalyzer device and there will be a monthly fee the offender must pay for to have the device installed into their car. Drivers who try to tamper with the device will be charged with a Class B misdemeanor that could lead to jail time or fines. Dvorak said he designed the law to let repeat offenders have access to their vehicle. \n"Repeat offenders will still be able to go to work, pick up their kids, or go to the gym as long as they stay sober. We want to change the behavior of drunk drivers by making this a part of the driver's routine," said Dvorak.\nIU Police Department Lt. Jerry Minger said he believes Public Law 76 will provide improved safety on the road.\n"It's a good idea to create another obstacle for preventing driving while drunk," Minger said. \nPublic Law 76 can be enforced statewide, but Minger doesn't see the law having a huge impact in Bloomington. \n"There will be less of an impact in this community, however your bigger cities will benefit from this law. It is still a good thing to have at IU," Minger said. \nWhile the impact may be small in the Bloomington area, Minger would like to see a national effort with vehicle Breathalyzers.\n"I would like to see Public Law 76 expand to other states. It will help people with drunken driving offenses to start living normal lives," Minger said. \nSenior Tom Reed said he believes the new law is a great idea that will ensure safety to fellow college students. \n"If this law can protect my buddies and I from some drunk on the road, well, then I am all for it," Reed said. "It is important that people understand the risks and dangers of driving drunk. With this law, people will think twice about getting behind the wheel after a night out at the bars."\n-- Contact staff writer Nick Pittman at npittman@indiana.edu.