|
|
|
Since July, anyone convicted of driving under the influence in Kansas is required to install an ignition interlock device they must breathe into before starting the car. Legislators hail the measure as an effective step to curb the state’s drunken driving fatalities, which showed the second-highest jump in numbers in the country in 2010.
Research indicates that ignition interlocks can reduce recidivism by 67 percent, according to an Associated Press story.
Pratt County Sheriff Vernon Chinn was transporting a prisoner out of the county when called for comment about the system. He does have a strong opinion, which he shared after returning.
He termed the law a “feeble attempt” that can be easily evaded. A driver who knows he or she has had too much to drink can have a friend blow into the device. Some devices require subsequent tests to avoid that problem, but Chinn said most trips are short — three to five miles to get home after a night of drinking, for example, but still pose a risk for an accident that could hurt or kill someone.
A more effective solution would be for the state to seize the vehicle of repeat offenders, Chinn believes. Kansas has such a law, but it prevents seizure when the vehicle is needed by the individual or any family member for transportation to work, school or medical appointments.
“That neutralizes the law,” he said.
Chinn is passionate about the drunk driving issue and has testified before the House and Senate on several occasions. He proposed a law that would make a drunk driver’s possession of a vehicle a criminal offense, much like criminal possession of a firearm in a bank robbery.
“The vehicle is the weapon of choice,” Chinn said.
He thought the proposal had some initial support, but it has never gone forward.
“We haven’t done enough to get ahead of DUIs,” Chinn concluded.
Since July, anyone convicted of driving under the influence in Kansas is required to install an ignition interlock device they must breathe into before starting the car. Legislators hail the measure as an effective step to curb the state’s drunken driving fatalities, which showed the second-highest jump in numbers in the country in 2010.
Research indicates that ignition interlocks can reduce recidivism by 67 percent, according to an Associated Press story.
Pratt County Sheriff Vernon Chinn was transporting a prisoner out of the county when called for comment about the system. He does have a strong opinion, which he shared after returning.
He termed the law a “feeble attempt” that can be easily evaded. A driver who knows he or she has had too much to drink can have a friend blow into the device. Some devices require subsequent tests to avoid that problem, but Chinn said most trips are short — three to five miles to get home after a night of drinking, for example, but still pose a risk for an accident that could hurt or kill someone.
A more effective solution would be for the state to seize the vehicle of repeat offenders, Chinn believes. Kansas has such a law, but it prevents seizure when the vehicle is needed by the individual or any family member for transportation to work, school or medical appointments.
“That neutralizes the law,” he said.
Chinn is passionate about the drunk driving issue and has testified before the House and Senate on several occasions. He proposed a law that would make a drunk driver’s possession of a vehicle a criminal offense, much like criminal possession of a firearm in a bank robbery.
“The vehicle is the weapon of choice,” Chinn said.
He thought the proposal had some initial support, but it has never gone forward.
“We haven’t done enough to get ahead of DUIs,” Chinn concluded.
