Drivers beware: four counties in California, including Sacramento, are cracking down on drunk drivers starting this summer. Under the new law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, even first-time DUI offenders will have to equip their vehicles with an ignition interlock device, also known as a breathalyzer. “If it is going to help take impaired motorists off the highway, I’m very supportive of it,” said Interim Lt. Kelly Clark, campus police spokesperson. The counties included in the pilot program are Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare, according to the office of Assemblymember Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles, who is also the author of the bill, AB91. “It is good they are targeting the problem areas first to see how well it actually does before they expand,” said John Vu, senior economics major. “I think they should have done this a long time ago. It would have stopped a lot of DUI’s from happening.” Feuer’s Chief of Staff Rebecca Markus said under the law, first-time DUI offenders will have to use the ignition interlock devices for five months, or one year if the incident involves injury. Second-time offenders will need to keep the device for one year, while third-time offenders will live with the ignition interlock device for two years, Markus said. The ignition interlock device is connected to the ignition of the car and will not allow the vehicle to start without the driver’s breath analysis, said CHP spokesman Michael Bradley. “This pilot project can save hundreds of lives. I’m pleased that the governor agrees that California should require offenders to have these devices installed. This law is an important step in preventing DUI recidivism in our state,” Feuer said. Even though some students see this new law as a positive step toward reducing the number of DUI accidents, there are also those who oppose it. “I think it is a little extreme. I’m not an advocate for drinking and driving but they’re crossing a really dangerous line for how much control they want to have over people’s poor judgment,” said Brad Bong, senior theater major. Bong suggests higher fines and extended license suspensions as an alternative to the ignition interlock device. On the other hand, a drunk driver will never quit being a drunk driver, said Bill Janzen, Christians on Campus Club member. “People who do that kind of thing will drink anyway,” Janzen said. “One of my own kids already has that problem.” Bradley said the only negative aspect of this program is the cost associated with the installation and monitoring of the device. The ignition interlock device costs between $50 and $100 depending on the device brand offered by the particular DMV. The offender will have to pay additional costs for the installation of the device. This can be as high as $100 depending on the make and model of the vehicle, Markus said. These two expenses are on top of the fines imposed for the DUI, she said. In California the maximum fine for first-time DUI offenders is $1,800. There is also a low-income provision program. Under this program, individuals are able to cut the charges associated with the ignition interlock device into low monthly payments, Markus said. When the offenders cannot afford the device or the payment plan, the installation and equipment charges will be covered by the ignition interlock company rather than the taxpayers, she said. “I took action and signed these bills because we must do everything we can to ensure the public’s safety on the road,” Schwarzenegger said. “By installing ignition interlock devices we are making it harder for DUI offenders to get behind the wheel while intoxicated and we are working to save innocent lives.” According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 11 states have also enforced ignition interlocks for all persons convicted of DUI. Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah and Washington are among the states mandating ignition interlock devices. Becky Wood, MADD program specialist, said there has been a large decrease in DUI citations in the states that have implemented these types of laws. For example, West Virginia saw a 70 percent decrease among first-time offenders. In New Mexico, the number of DUI citations has decreased by 60 percent since the launch of the program in 2004. The program is just a test for the four affected counties. The law goes into effect July 1, 2010, and extends to Jan. 1, 2016. The DMV has until July 1, 2015, to present a report to the Legislature on the effectiveness of this project, Feuer said. Based on the data presented, the Legislature will make further decisions whether the program was a success and should continue, or if it failed and will be terminated. “I think it is a good idea because our lives are worth more than money,” said Minaxi Sarang, senior communication studies major. “I hope the DUI offenders will learn their lesson.”