LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today passed a bipartisan plan sponsored by State Representative Bob Constan (D-Dearborn Heights) that cracks down on extreme drunken drivers and aims to keep repeat offenders off the roads.
"Drunk drivers are very dangerous to themselves and innocent people, and this plan cracks down on extremely drunk drivers who pose a serious threat to the safety of Michigan's citizens," Constan said. "We have to continue working together as lawmakers and individuals to stop drunk driving and keep our roads safe."
Constan's plan targets people who are arrested for extreme drunken driving who operated a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.15, which is nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08. The plan will keep extremely drunken drivers and repeat offenders off the roads by requiring them to have ignition interlock devices placed on their vehicles. It also requires offenders who are convicted of high BAC violations to successfully complete a rehabilitation program.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 58 percent of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2001 involved drivers with a BAC of 0.15 or higher. These drivers are at least 382 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than a sober driver.
"Innocent lives are on the line every time a drunk driver starts their car and hits the road," Constan said. "This is an essential piece of legislation that toughens penalties for drunk drivers and their severely thoughtless actions. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act quickly to approve this legislation."