Advocates call for more use of ignition devices to reduce drunk driving

Ignition interlock systems are known to reduce drunk driving crashes, but some are questioning whether they’re used enough in Western Pennsylvania.

Last August, a new law gave first-time DUI offenders the option to use an ignition interlock system for one year instead of having their license suspended for 60 days.

But defense attorneys tell Channel 11 their clients rarely take that option because it can cost $800-$1,300 to install and is inconvenient to use.

Since so many offenders are deciding the cost is not worth it, leading some to question if the law in place needs to be stronger.

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More than half of U.S. states require all DUI offenders to use some form of the ignition interlock system, but Pennsylvania is not one of them.

The ignition interlock system requires a breathalyzer to start the vehicle, instead of a 60- or 90-day license suspension.

"I have not had any clients that have taken it since it's gone into effect," said defense attorney Phil DiLucente. "Just so you know, the flexibility has its price and it's high."

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is now pushing for the system to be mandatory for all DUI offenders statewide because they say it saves lives.

A recent study found the Interlock Ignition System reduces DUI fatalities by 16 percent and if adopted nationwide, could save 500 lives per year.

It's a particular problem in Allegheny County, where there were 44,000 DUI arrests last year alone, the most in the entire state.

There are 28 states that require all DUI offenders get some kind of ignition interlock system, but Pennsylvania isn't one of them.

The state also is one of a only a handful that doesn't make multiple DUIs a felony charge, something MADD and many other groups are working to change.

Cox Media Group