New tool to keep drunks off the road

It sometimes seems as though no amount of legal toughness can prevent drunken drivers from getting behind the wheel of a car. But that doesn't stop us from trying - and a new law that took effect this week adds an ounce of prevention to the theme of punishment that drunken drivers previously faced.

As of Jan. 1 in Illinois, even first-time drunken drivers are now required to install devices that will prevent them from starting their vehicles if they've been drinking. The ignition interlock device also will require the driver to periodically blow into it while driving to ensure his or her continued sobriety. Good.

A mandatory breath device isn't perfect, of course. A determined scofflaw can have a buddy breathe into it or find another vehicle to drive. But the requirement at least puts an obstacle in front of someone who has shown himself or herself to be a danger behind the wheel.

And it's no small obstacle. The costs alone of installing the device - more than $100 - and renting it - another $110 a month - will be some deterrent. The added inconvenience of using it will surely keep at least some impaired drivers off the road.

Critics maintain the new law is heavy-handed, punishing everyone in the family who has access to a convicted drunken driver's vehicle. The secretary of state's office says about 83 percent of the 50,000 drivers arrested for DUI in Illinois each year are first-time offenders and even among those arrested beyond the first time, conviction rates are small, so the new law, critics argue, targets the small percentage of drivers who offend repeatedly. They say its cost is an unfair burden on the many who won't repeat simply to reach the few who might.

We disagree.

Drunken drivers kill hundreds of Illinoisans and injure thousands every year. Repeat drunken drivers are a particular menace and punishment alone has been shown ineffective in stopping them from driving.

Just at 17 percent, the new law could potentially stop 8,500 drunken-driving arrests annually. Even a fractional portion of that number represents a significant improvement in safety.

And all the penalties, hardships and hassles can be avoided if people simply refuse to get behind the wheel of a car or truck after they've been drinking alcohol.

"Don't drink and drive" is a familiar mantra. You'll hear it again throughout the coming year, but refusing to pay attention to it from now on won't merely have consequences on your pocketbook; it will also change the way you approach driving every time you enter your vehicle.

Repeat drunken drivers clearly have little or no concern for the innocent people their selfishness could kill or maim. Perhaps now, they'll at least have some concern for their own access to the wheel.

And the rest of us will have that much better of a chance to travel safely.