Legislation Could Change 24/7 Sobriety Program

Air Date:01/25/2011

By Kealey Bultena

A bill that uses new technology to try to keep drunk drivers off the road has passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Attorney General Marty Jackley testifies the state piloted ignition locks once before, but they didn’t work. Republican Senator Mike Vehle says it is time for South Dakota to try again.

"These interlock devices have changed. The big thing for me is the camera. There was always a concern, who’s blowing into the tube? Now you have the camera," Vehle says. "We need to try it in our weather and see if it works and those type of things. So I would encourage you to allow the Attorney General to try this and see if we can put another tool in the toolbox."

A Mothers Against Drunk Driving representative also supports the bill. No one testified against the legislation. The bill now goes to the full Senate for further debate.

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