Now, all drivers in France will be required to have two breathalyzers in their vehicle.
The requirement started on the 1st of July, but officials aren’t going to be strict about it until November 1st, allowing for a grace period, according to Motorway America.
Through the new law, drivers will have a high-visibility safety vest, a warning triangle and two breathalyzer test kits. Anyone who doesn’t will face a fine. If you’re a tourist, you’re not off the hook. All rental vehicles must have this equipment, too.
Officials have been debating about in-car breathalyzers and ignition interlock devices for quite some time now. The truth of it all is that these devices help to reduce the risks of car accidents in Boston and elsewhere. Now, in the U.S. only drivers in specific states are required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car after a drunk driving conviction. In some areas, only second-time offenders have to have the device installed.
Our Boston drunk driving car accident attorneys understand that in the state, and under Melanie’s Law, ignition interlock devices are to be used by drivers who have been convicted of a second charge of Operating Under the Influence (OUI) and are now eligible for a hardship license. These drivers are also required to have a hardship license for two years after their driver’s license has been reinstated.
Safety advocates urge all states to make these devices mandatory for all drivers with an OUI conviction. In a number of studies, these devices help to keep drivers from committing these offenses again.
Still, more than 30 people are killed in drunk driving accidents every day across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was one of these fatalities every 48 minutes in 2009. These accidents cost the country more than $50 billion during the year.
The Drunk Driving Problem, 2009:
-There were more than 10,800 people killed in alcohol-related car accidents.
-These accidents accounted for about a third of all traffic-related fatalities.
-There were more than 180 children under the age of 15 who were killed in these accidents.
-Of the approximate 180 children who were killed in these accidents, more than 90 were riding in the vehicle with the impaired driver.
-There were nearly 1.5 million drivers who were arrested from driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
-Nearly 20 percent of motor vehicle deaths involve a driver who is impaired by drugs other than alcohol. Drugs are oftentimes used alongside alcohol.
These kinds of car accidents are completely preventable. They can be stopped with responsible driving habits and they can be prevented with stricter penalties for those who have been convicted of these offenses. Practice safe driving habits out there and be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers.
Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, LLC is here to offer help to those who have been the victims of drunk driving accidents in Cape Cod, Boston and elsewhere in the state. Call (617) 777-7777 to set up a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case.
More Blog Entries:
MADD Continues Fight Against Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Quincy and Elsewhere, Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, June 12, 2012
Drunk Driving Accidents in Massachusetts Costing More than $800M, Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, May 30, 2012