Recidivism as related to DUI refers to repeat offenders. This is a major quandary in the war against drunken driving. The initial purpose of the stringent DUI Laws was to prevent persistent alcohol abusers from committing offenses related to drunk driving. However much we may try to punish DUI offenders, no punishment is tough enough to avert recidivism. The law has done its part by increasing the penalties against such offenders but others argue that it is a witch-hunt for drivers on their first DUI felony. A repeat offender in this category may need more than just hefty fines to deal with the issue. Most are alcohol addicts and may benefit more from compulsory rehabilitation to kick their bad habits. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in California, a convicted DUI offender with a low Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) stands a higher chance of falling into recidivism than anyone else. Such persons with low BAC pose a high traffic safety risk to the public. Persons with a brief history of traffic convictions should be an indicator of recidivism. A brief 2-year driving history should be sufficient to come up with an informed conclusion.
Many methods have been tried over the years to control and reduce road accidents due to DUI recidivism. None has made significant headway until the introduction of Ignition Interlock Devices or IIDs. The IID is a device installed on a vehicle much like a breathalyzer used by police when they get a DUI case. The Ignition Interlock Device requires the driver to blow a sample of their breath into the device before starting the vehicle. The breath sample should have a blood alcohol level that is less than 0.02 percent. If the Ignition Interlock Device recognizes that the blood alcohol level is at 0.02 percent and above, it orchestrates a chain of events that hinder the vehicle from starting. This in essence will make the driver either call for a taxicab or have a friend take him or her home. This device can be installed in an offender’s car or any that he may have access to. In a family that has a DUI offender, all the family cars can be installed with the Ignition Interlock Device. This technology has expanded to a level that even some companies install them on their vehicles just as a measure to avoid being sued in the event of a DUI related accident.
Overall, DUI recidivism is a serious issue that is rife across the whole of USA and not only California. All stake holders are researching on better and more permanent solutions to this vice. Currently DUI is the leading cause of traffic deaths on the highways and more lives are lost and affected every day. There is a big difference between first time and repeat offenders. Repeat offenders are the main point of concern.
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