Longer Ignition Interlock, Good For Drivers, Good For Public Safety.
Longer periods of ignition interlock may seem like a bad idea to the many DUI offenders required to have them, but I propose a different way of thinking. We all know that individuals that have ignition interlock on their vehicle are up to 95% of the time not going to reoffend. This is an obvious advantage for public safety. But I would say that the advantages to the offender of having the interlock on longer is a huge advantage. While there is a monthly fee to have the ignition interlock device on your vehicle in Nebraska, the advantages are far and above better than the possibility of reoffending. Many times I hear from our customers that they wished they would have just left the device on and they would be in far less trouble. While a small percentage of our clients do choose to keep the device on their vehicle it is definitely not he norm. The advantages of having the interlock on the vehicle could be no temptation to drive the vehicle while under the influence, no chance for reoffending, no chance for anyone else to reoffend using that vehicle. The monetary cost of reoffending far outweighs the costs associated with keeping the interlock device installed. Plus having the interlock device on the vehicle prevents the offender from jail time, probation, fines, community service, another ignition interlock term and possibilities of house arrest and home alcohol monitoring.
I would be willing to bet that if you asked Kelly Snook which avenue she would have preferred taking at this point she would have taken the interlock over the penalties that she is going to receive. She just got off of probation a week before her most recent arrest, now she will start her troubles with the law all over again. This would have been completely prevented if she would have had the interlock device on her vehicle immediately following the first arrest and left it on for an extended period of time. While life does not give us do overs, most of us know our weaknesses and the interlock is a way to keep us honest with ourselves. The interlock is just a shade over $2 per day and provides the reassurance that future offenses will not happen, along with the security that no one will be involved in an alcohol related accident that could take away a life. A link below will take you to the recent story on Kelly Snook.
http://www.kmtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13730508
While there is always ramped up enforcement during the holiday season to prevent drunk driving, I would urge you all to think about the impacts of drunk driving year round. Smart Start will do whatever we can to help out anyone who feels the use of one of our devices could make a positive change in their life. If cost alone is preventing you from making a decision to change your life or a family members please email me and we can discuss financial options to make it possible.
Happy Holidays!
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