Our fair state has been rated as above average regarding our drunk driving laws by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD). Their rating system rates states from 1 to 5 stars after analyzing a number of factors.
First of all, Arkansas rated high for requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. An ignition interlock system is a small device about the size of a cell phone that measures the amount of alcohol in an individual’s system. The driver must breathe into it, and if the device registers over the set limit, the car will not start. If the driver’s breath test is below the pre-set limit, the car will start. Along the way there are re-tests, however. This keeps the driver from having someone else get his car started for him. The system cannot be tampered with or dismantled without setting off a violation. These are considered to be reliable, safe and effective to keep offenders from ever driving while drunk again.
Secondly, we rated high for having enhanced penalties for those who drive drunk with children in the vehicle.
Thirdly, Arkansas is known for conducting a number of sobriety checkpoints. This curbs drunk driving because if people think there’s a chance they will be caught and punished, they are more afraid of trying to drive home.
Fourth, we use administrative license revocation for drunken driving offenders. Some states are moving away from removing peoples’ drivers licenses for a DUI. It’s difficult for people to get to work without driving a car. It’s embarrassing and it makes the infraction obvious to the neighbors and friends and family. But many still see this as a direct way to stop accidents from happening. Better to embarrass a drunk driver than to have him kill an innocent family.
The only step where we were found wanting was regarding statewide “no refusal” checkpoints. In order to set these up, judges must be on call so that they can order a driver to undergo a blood test when he refuses a breath test. It’s a step to consider taking in the future.
