Would You Rather: IID or License Suspension?

To date, 28 states in the U.S. have all-offender ignition interlock device (IID) laws. Even a first-offense DUI in Virginia, DWI in Texas or OWI in Iowa will mean that an offender who wants to drive legally will need to have an IID installed. So in those states, the streets are safe from further drunk driving incidents – a sigh of relief considering that the statistics report each DUI offender has probably driven while intoxicated around 80 times previously.

Would you rather have an IID or a license suspension?

A license suspension means that you cannot legally drive yourself to and from work, or help keep your family’s schedule together. It also means that if you are caught driving while your license is suspended for a drunk driving conviction, you’ve got a lot more trouble ahead. Statistics suggest that a suspended license does not keep a person from driving, and a person who intends to drive illegally can also do so while intoxicated.

An IID can and will enable you to drive legally. You won’t get into any further legal issues; you’ll be in the best place possible to prove your commitment to sober driving. There is the expectation that an interlock test may take up time, but it is only a few moments that are worth the effort, especially on the day your device is removed and you are able to drive around and enjoy your freedom once again.

An IID is the best choice for everyone’s safety and well-being. That’s why we are all encouraged to support ignition interlock expansion across the U.S. 28 states with all-offender IID laws, but there is still a lot more room for improvement. As the 2016-2017 legislative season gears up, we have the opportunity to expand ignition interlock access. Contact your state legislators, voice your opinion for IIDs over license suspensions and be an advocate for more interlock devices in our communities.