|
|
 |
|
The views expressed on this page are soley
those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of County
News Online
|
 |
State Representative Jim Buchy
Ensuring
Responsible Driving, Saving Lives
Drunk driving remains one of the top reasons for traffic fatalities in
the nation and within our state. In 2013, 28.7 million people admitted
to driving under the influence of alcohol, an alarming number that
shows just how far reaching this issue is.
It is clear that as a society we must find a better way to reduce drunk
driving on our roadways. For that reason, the Ohio House has passed
House Bill 388, also known as Annie’s Law. This legislation is aimed at
eliminating drunk drivers from committing the offense a second time, or
even a third, fourth or more.
Annie’s Law, named after Ross County resident Annie Rooney who lost her
life to a driver with multiple prior OVI offenses, allows individuals
facing OVI charges to opt for an ignition interlock device rather than
a driver’s license suspension. The ignition interlock device, or IID,
requires the driver to pass a breathalyzer in order to start their car
engine, ensuring that the individual is completely sober before getting
behind the wheel.
Currently, any person charged with an OVI, or even the lesser offense
of Reckless Operation, often serves a six month or more license
suspension in which they are only able to drive to work or school.
According to the Transportation Research Board, anywhere from 50 to 75
percent of offenders continue to drive under the license suspension.
An IID comes with a preconceived opinion within society, one that I
believe should change. The IID is a win-win; a win for the safety of
all Ohioans and a win for the DUI offender who needs to ensure that
they can still get to where they need to be, 100 percent sober. Should
the individual charged with a DUI opt for installing an IID, under HB
388 they would have unlimited driving privileges to take their child to
daycare or go to the store to buy food for the family.
Make no mistake; this is not a piece of legislation that is soft on
crime. Annie’s Law will prevent these DUI offenders from being able to
get behind the wheel of their car intoxicated, and will also ensure
that the offender is not tempted to violate their suspension.
I was proud to vote in favor of Annie’s Law because I believe it will
go a long way to making our western Ohio roadways much safer.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and other issues in the news
by completing a brief online survey attinyurl.com/buchyoctober2016
|
|
|
|
