Proposed bill aims to stop repeat DUI offenders
California legislators are trying to make our roadways safer by stopping people from driving under the influence.
New legislation is starting to make its way through the state Assembly. The bill was partially inspired by the death of a Coachella woman who was killed by an intoxicated driver.
In 2013, 25-year old Celena Nava died after being struck by a drunk driver. That death sparked many anti drunk driving campaigns in the Coachella Valley as well as possible new legislation.
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella, has been trying to reform DUI laws in the state. Garcia and a few other legislators are one step closer with Senate Bill 1046.
The bill would expand a pilot program requiring the installation of ignition interlock devices for a specified period of time as a mandatory condition of receiving a driver’s license for all DUI offenders statewide.
Police sweep nets two Cathedral City DUI suspects
Drivers would have to blow into the device before the car could start. Interlock devices are currently required for DUI offenders in four counties including Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare. Senate Bill 1046 would expand the pilot program to all 58 counties in California.
“It’s a reminder of all the people that have either been harmed by DUI’s or have lost their lives that this is an incredibly preventable situation,” said Garcia.
These interlock devices would allow people who have been convicted of a DUI to be able to drive their car, but only after proving they are sober. A judge would decide how long the driver would need to have the device in the car, but it could be as long as a year or two.
“Your life completely changes after getting a DUI and this is a way in which, under specific circumstances and the judge’s discretion, it allows an individual to be a functioning member of this community,” said Garcia.
We talked to some people in the high desert to see what they think about SB 1046.
“I think that’s a great idea because there is too many people sliding by with DUIs and I know some people in court and it’s their third DUI,” said Taryn Quezada, of Yucca Valley.
“I have been on several jury duties for DUI and it sounds like a good plan to me and hopefully it will cut down on all the sobriety checkpoints that delay everyone,” said Steven L. Hedge, of Joshua Tree.
SB 1046 now heads to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee for further consideration. Assemblymember Garcia hopes the bill will pass the state Senate and be on the governors desk by September.
In California, more than 50,000 people have died and over 1 million have been injured because of drunk drivers in the past 30 years. In just five years, between 2010 and 2015, ignition interlock devices have prevented more than 1 million attempts to drink and drive in California, according to a recent MADD study.
