What’s the best way of keeping repeat DUI offenders from driving drunk again? It seems no matter how tough state lawmakers make the penalties for drunken driving, some people are determined to do it again and again.
It’s not uncommon to pick up the Press on any given morning and read of someone in the Upstate with a long history of drunken driving being arrested and charged again with DUI. It’s not even extraordinary to learn that a driver with as many as six prior DUI convictions has been involved in another alcohol-related offense.
These incidents serve as a sobering reminder of why changes are needed to the state’s DUI laws. Specifically, state lawmakers must do more to address the problem of offenders who repeatedly put themselves and anyone they meet on the road in jeopardy.
But how? That’s the question that has vexed law enforcement officials, lawmakers and concerned citizens for years. One thing to do to address the problem is to increase funding for intensive substance abuse programs for DUI offenders. Such funding, however, often falls victim to state budget cuts.
Another (which has been implemented by Tennessee in recent years) is to require the vehicles of repeat DUI offenders be equipped with ignition locks.
Still, more is needed. What do think should be done to keep repeat DUI offenders off the street?
You can Sound off on this topic by sending your comments to Mailbag, P.O. Box 1717, Johnson City, TN 37605-1717, or to mailbag@johnsoncitypress.com. Please include your name, telephone number and address for verification purposes. We will print your responses on the Editorial and Commentary pages in the coming weeks.
truthful writes:
February 2, 2013
2:32 PM
I guess Obama is going to have to ban beer so nobody can buy it
MountainBoomer writes:
February 4, 2013
9:05 AM
theres a lot of folks who wanna ban beer around these parts but i dont think any of them voted for obama, they wouldnt even dream it
MCJohn writes:
February 10, 2013
12:39 PM
The solution is simple but will never happen. In many European countries, DUI offenses carry heavy fines, loss of license and banned vehicle ownership. The process is simple and not only takes care of those that commit DUI’s but those that fail to register, insure or pass inspection. There are four steps to vehicle ownership, registration, inspection, liability insurance and driver’s license. If any of these are stopped or loss the vehicle is confiscated, period. Generally, anyone committing a third DUI is banned from owning a vehicle. Selling a vehicle to anyone who does not meet requirements is a punishable offense.