The practice of having to blow a clean, sober breath into a straw to get your car to start has been available to first-time DUI offenders in Illinois for almost four years.
The state was an early adopter of the BAIID (breath alcohol ignition interlock device), being the second to approve it. The number has grown to 17, and the National Transportation Safety Board is now recommending it be in use nationally.
"An individual can petition my office to have this device installed in an automobile. It's $1,500 a year," says Secretary of State Jesse White.
"While you are driving with this device in your car, the other legal matters with regard to the DUI can be adjudicated."
White says use of the "blow and go" device is part of the reason Mothers Against Drunk Driving has given Illinois its top rating for traffic safety.
(Posted 12-12-12 at 7:20am, Illinois Radio Network)
(Posted 12-12-12 at 7:20am, Illinois Radio Network)