'Breathalyzer in every car' bill passes house (NM)

krqe.com ^

[chance33_98]

'Breathalyzer in every car' bill passes house

Some state lawmakers are convinced they have the answer to solve the D.W.I. epidemic and want to require everyone on the road to take a breathalyzer test before they can start the engine of any vehicle. Today, the proposal is one very large step closer to becoming law.

A bill requiring an ignition interlock device be installed on every car, truck, bus or motorcycle in New Mexico passed the state house today and is on its way to the senate.

Representative Ken Martinez introduced the bill and says he was pleasantly surprised with today's vote.

“I think it’s an opportunity for N.M. to lead on this issue and be a solution state and not a problem state,” says Martinez.

As for who will pay for the devices? KRQE News 13 has learned there is another proposed bill that would give people a tax credit for the amount of the device.

The senate has until Thursday to vote on the bill.

If the bill survives and is signed by the governor, New Mexico would be the only state in the country with such a law.

Despite an increasing awareness of New Mexico’s D.W.I. problem, few citizen’s sampled by KRQE News 13 approve of the far-reaching proposal.

"I think its a bunch of bunk," says Albuquerque resident Jerry Thompson. “If I haven't been convicted of D.W.I or alcohol related crime I shouldn't have to breathalyzer myself just to start my own car.”

”I think it’s crazy, the thing is it doesn't even work when people (are) court ordered to have it,” says Albuquerque resident Susan Doran.

“I think its just going to make it more difficult especially for older citizens,” says Marietta Carr.

The bill also has perked the ears and raised concern at the local chapter of the American civil liberties union.

“We are concerned that if you've got to sort of go through a mini search every time you drive your car,” says Reber Boult. “That’s very invasive.”

[beaureguard]

So then, if this becomes law, a driver will be presumed to be intoxicated until he/she proves that they are not under the influence?

Thought you were innocent until proven guilty. Must not be,anymore.

[Elsie]

Everyone bellows at me for driving a 1976 Chevy truck with 325,000 + miles on it. <:P>I hear ya!!!!

---

'77 Chevy van - 350 engine - 303K miles '90 Chevy van - 350 engine - 218K miles

They just keep RUNNIN'!!!!

[Elsie]

Oh yeah.......... 62: male

[kenth]

You know the bill has to be a stinker if it has Freepers agreeing with a civil liberties union.

Even worse when you have Freepers and DUers agreeing... yikes.

[stainlessbanner]

reminds me of a song, Elsie

[tadellin]

Just leave your car running while you are in the bar!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Why do these idiots have to keep repeating the same mistakes?

I suppose that's what makes them idiots! ;-)

[Jaded]

“I think it’s an opportunity for N.M. to lead on this issue and be a solution state and not a problem state,” says Martinez.

That's not what I would call it. The Nanny State of NM.

[KevinDavis]

This is one of the few times that I agree with ACLU. In Illinois we have a idoitic law that says kids must be in saftey seats until they are at the age of 8. They probaly passed the bill for the "children".

[CDHart]

"Next thing, there will be aerosol cans of canned "breath" on the market, that you can squirt into these things to get going."

Exactly! Or the driver could get someone else to blow into the thing for him. God, I am so sick of these dogooder idiots.

Carolyn

[aShepard]

Ted Kennedy has the solution for the breathalizer device.

He found out that it won't work when you get it real wet.

Scrrrrreeeech, bum, thump, splash, glug glug. heeeelp!

[aberaussie]

The latest breathalizers require random testing, a red light flashes and the driver must breathe into the tube within a given period of time or the car shuts down. This was developed to prevent drivers from getting someone else to breathe into the tube for them and then drive away.

So, say, you are in heavy traffic on an interstate near a big city and you don't do this thing correctly and your car shuts down? Sounds like it will really improve our safety.

[Coffee_drinker]

'85 Chev 350 with 275k miles. And when things wear out you replace with new or rebuilt, then your good to go. Low insurance, no payments. Low tech works for me.

Just find your self a good auto mechanic and my experience my car is in the shop far less than even new cars.


CD

[Eaker]

How about a simple hand bellows???

[Fraulein]

BTTT

[Revolting cat!]

[freeangel]

In that case, can't someone come up with an ILLEGALYZER?

[Revolting cat!]

[Proud_texan]

I haven't read the exact legislation but I'm pretty sure another report I saw said that by a certain date all cars had to have the device.

Amoung all the other problems I thought about all the $50 junkers I started with as a kid (probably $500 junkers these days), if that device is going to be $2k-3.5k it's going to shut a lot of kids out of getting a leg up since they probably won't quality for a tax credit that large.

Typical commie feel good legislation that doesn't make a lick of sense and ends up whacking a lot of people. Sheesh.

[fishtank]

I was joking. Of course I've heard of that slime rat partial birth abortion supporting flunkie doofus chitlins for brains Bingaman.