San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob

DATE: March 20, 2007
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Ignition Interlock Devices for Convicted DUI Offenders

SUMMARY:
Every week on San Diego County roadways, two people on average are killed in alcohol related traffic crashes, according to the most recent statistics available from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). In 2005, San Diego County accounted for the second highest number of DUI arrests and convictions in California, according to the California DUI Management System. Drunk driving destroys families and presents a significant financial drain on our criminal justice system. We must continue to curtail the senseless loss of life and injury that comes from irresponsible people who decide to drive while under the influence of alcohol.

Today, I request your support of California State Senate Bill 177 (Migden), which would require that a person convicted of a DUI offense to install a certified ignition interlock device on each vehicle that the person owns or operates and to prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle unless that vehicle is so equipped.

Today’s action will request a letter be prepared, to be signed by the Chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, stating San Diego County’s support for California State Senate Bill 177 as well as direct the Chief Administrative Officer to include this action in the Board’s 2007 Legislative Program.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Supervisor Dianne Jacob:

Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter for signature by the Chairman to members of the San Diego Delegation, the Governor of California, and the County’s State Representative in support of SB 177 (Migden), related to mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices by persons convicted of a DUI offense.
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to include this action in the Board’s 2007 Legislative Program.

FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.

BACKGROUND:
Every week on San Diego County roadways, two people on average are killed in alcohol related traffic crashes, according to the most recent statistics available from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). In 2005, San Diego County accounted for the second highest number of DUI arrests and convictions in California, according to the California DUI Management System. Drunk driving destroys families and presents a significant financial drain on our criminal justice system. We must continue to curtail the senseless loss of life and injury that comes from irresponsible people who decide to drive while under the influence of alcohol.

California State Senate Bill 177 (Migden) would require that a person convicted of a DUI offense to install a certified ignition interlock device on each vehicle that the person owns or operates and to prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle unless that vehicle is so equipped. The convicted DUI offender would be responsible for all costs associated with the installation of the ignition interlock device as well as its service.

The intent of Senate Bill 177 is to prevent convicted DUI offenders from being able to cause more unnecessary vehicular-related deaths and damage on our roadways by preventing them to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The bill would make it mandatory for all DUI offenders to install the device that checks the driver's blood alcohol level using an attached breathalyzer before allowing the engine to start. The system will ask for more breath samples at random times after the vehicle has started and if the driver fails, the car's horn will sound and the lights will flash until the automobile comes to a halt and the key is removed from the ignition.

I urge your support!

Respectfully submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District