A recent change to the state law regarding driving under the influence will have a costly impact on first-time offenders with high levels of alcohol in their systems.
McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer explained the new law requires the installation of an ignition interlock device for first-time offenders with a blood-alcohol content of .10 or higher, if the blood sample contains drugs or if the person is under the influence of certain medications.
“The prior law only required the installation of an ignition interlock device for second and subsequent offenses, regardless of the blood-alcohol content,” Shaffer said.
She explained it now includes anyone who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a DUI charge — other than first-time offenders with a BAC lower than .10; who refused blood testing to determine the amount of alcohol in his or her system; or who was convicted of operating without an ignition interlock device when it was required by court.
“McKean County and our neighboring counties have a high rate of DUI,” Shaffer said. “This increased penalty acknowledges the danger to the driver, his or her passengers and anyone in the vicinity of the vehicle while it is in operation.”
The new law allows first-time offenders to drive immediately with the interlock device installed, rather than wait until after serving a driver’s license suspension, currently between 30 days and one year, based upon the offender’s BAC percentage.
That, said Bradford City Police Chief Chris Lucco, is a positive step.
“It allows people to still be a productive member of society,” Lucco said. “The ability to drive on a daily basis is nearly a necessity. It’s almost an intermediate punishment for that person, it gets them the ability to get some of the freedom back, but still keeps the general public safe.”
He added that people who have lost their driver’s license from a DUI conviction are often arrested for driving without a license.
“This is a good option,” he said. “The cost of the ignition interlock is substantial. People should be aware, it’s an expensive deterrent.”
It may prove to be more effective than license suspension alone, he said.
State Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, agreed with Lucco’s opinion.
“The law will help ensure people convicted of DUI offenses have the opportunity to retain their driver’s license and their ability to travel to and from their jobs,” Causer said. “In rural areas like ours, it is extremely difficult to find an alternate form of transportation.”
He added the safety aspect of the changes cannot be overlooked.
“Safety is always a top priority, and expanding the availability of ignition interlock devices is a proven way to stop repeat offenders who might otherwise put themselves and others in danger.”
The changes are effective today.
