Posted on 02/17/2004 4:46:06 PM PST by DesertDreamer
SANTA FE— Every car sold or registered in New Mexico would have to have an alcohol-detecting device installed before 2009 under legislation approved by the House on Monday.
New Mexico, always grappling for answers to chronic drunken-driving arrests and deaths, would be the first in the nation to require the devices, said Rep. Ken Martinez, D-Grants, the sponsor.
The device is known as an ignition interlock, and drivers have to blow into them and pass the alcohol detection test before their cars can start.
The measure, approved 45-22, headed to the Senate for debate. Gov. Bill Richardson said he would carefully consider the bill if it gets to his desk.
The bill (HB 126) would require the ignition interlocks to be installed by the owner before any car could be registered or sold. For new cars, the law would take effect in 2008; for used cars it would be 2009.
"Citizens of the state of New Mexico, you're going to pay a little more, but you are going to be part of the solution," Martinez said.
The cost was the main point opponents raised during a three-hour debate. The devices cost up to $1,000 now, but could go down significantly as technology improves, Martinez said.
"You're already paying for DWI. Everybody in New Mexico already pays. DWI is very expensive," Martinez said.
(Excerpt) Read more at abqjournal.com ...
Just a comment - are you sure a balloon can pack enough pressure (without risk of bursting) to 'blow' for the consecutive 5 or ten seconds on one of these things?
Have you ever blown in one? There seemed to be considerable 'back pressure' - so I don't think that a simple balloon is going to work.
The only reason I know this is - I've got a neighbor who has one ...
Also be advised these things often (like the one my neighbors has, for instance) require that a 'blow' be performed every ten minutes or so. This will catch the those who insist on drinking and driving *after* they have started the vehicle ...
I think this would be much simpler.
That make two of us.
I can't wait to see what Registered could come up with...LOL.
The internal compressor will supply up to 18 liters per minute of compressed air. The maximum pressure of the air is internally regulated to 30 psig. A panel mounted flow meter and pressure gauge indicate compressor output.
"...How many would die or be murdered because the car would not start quickly, or at all, and they could not get away?..." [/possible scenario]
Scenario II:
Your spouse has already left for work and you are home alone with your young son. After breakfast, you go to the bathroom to comb your hair and brush your teeth. Today you take a few extra seconds to rinse with a strong, medicinal mouthwash.
You're ready to cheerfully tell your kid "to get a move on" for school when you find him on the kitchen floor having a seizure in a pool of cereal, milk, and blood. The hospital is only a few minutes away, but your all-volunteer rescue squad that will take at least 20 minutes to get to the ambulance station and respond. The gaping wound looks serious and is oozing greater amounts of blood.
You carry your child out to the car, place him in the back, and jump in the driver's seat. Oh, no! The onboard breathalyzer confirms you have minty-fresh breath, but you are summarily judged not capable of operating an automobile and the ignition system is automatically immobilized. Your son's eyes eerily roll upward into his head...
~ Blue Jays ~
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