What would you do?

John Quiñones Co-Anchor of ABC News Magazine show Primetime has been hosting a segment called "What would you do?" which tests how individuals respond to ethical dilemmas through hidden camera scenarios. Last Friday night, his test involved a woman asking passerbys to blow into a ignition interlock for her.

The segment perpetuated some common misnomers:

• Blowing into the device isn't simple. It usually involves performance of a specific sequence of exercises that are taught to offenders and not easily replicated to just any passerby.
• Many new devices include cameras. The device takes a picture of the person blowing into the device. This information is transmitted to probation officers as part of their monthly report.
• Most devices require running retests. Driver must often provide breath tests at regular intervals, preventing drivers from asking a sober friend to start the car. If a driver fails a running retest, the vehicle’s horn will honk and/or the lights will flash to alert law enforcement.

The failure to make these points aside, the segment provided stunning proof that some people still treat drunk driving cavalierly. It also proved that laws and enforcement of those laws remain a major deterrent to this crime.

Things Kids Shouldn't Do

We know interlocks work but when offenders somehow slip under the radar of monitoring and have their kids blow into the device, there is a problem. It seems a New Hampshire teacher had her daughter blow into the interlock device. There are things like this kids should not be exposed to. Lets get offenders alcohol assessment, treatment, interlocks for some time and make sure there are no more victims of drunk driving.

Texas woman arrested in hit and run on probation for DWI

The Beaumont Enterprise is reporting that a Texas woman arrested in a suspected hit and run was actually on probation for previous DWI.

This is why Texas needs ignition interlocks. While the technology is there, not enough judges are using it. The good news is that Texas legislators can change that.

There are several bills pending in the Texas legislature that would mandate ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. Send a letter to vote in favor of this bill.

Man with 7 Drunk Driving Convictions Mistakenly Charged with First Offense

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a 37-year-old Wisconsin man with seven prior drunk driving convictions was mistakenly issued a first-offense citation for operating while intoxicated after he was arrested in October. The mistake was uncovered after the man was arrested on suspicion of his ninth OWI.

People continue to drive drunk because they can. Studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses.

Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, including first-time offenders.

Texas Girl, 13, Fatally Struck by Suspected Repeat Drunk Driver

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that a man, who police say was drunk, hit and killed eighth-grader Lilly Lalime shortly after she exited her school bus on Tuesday, December 16. The man, who was charged with intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid, was convicted of driving while intoxicated earlier this year.

Ignition interlocks might have prevented this tragedy.

People continue to drive drunk because they can. Studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses.

Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, including first-time offenders.

New Hampshire Man Sentenced to Prison for Drunk Driving Death of Off-Duty Police Officer

According to an article in the New Hampshire Union Leader, 22-year-old Jeffrey Dennis was sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison for the death of an off-duty Hopkinton, New Hampshire police officer. Dennis had been drinking before he hit the off-duty officer's motorcycle last August.

Among the conditions of his sentence, Dennis must have an alcohol ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle he drives for up to five years.

Visit the MADD Officer Victim Tribute to honor law enforcement officers killed or injured by alcohol-impaired drivers or while enforcing drunk driving laws and/or underage drinking laws.

Two New York Drivers Charged with DWI in Same Car

Long Island police made a double DWI arrest when a driver and a passenger switched places as they were pulled over, according to an article in Newsday.

Research shows that individuals convicted of drunk driving for the first time have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest. Alcohol ignition interlocks are proven to be an effective tool in the battle against drunk driving. Studies have shown ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses.

Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

Washington State Driver Accused of DUI Hits 7 Cars in 13 Minutes

According to an article in the Seattle Post Intelligencer, a Spokane, Washington man hit at least seven cars within 13 minutes, including one driven by an off-duty detective, before he was arrested for drunk driving.

Sign the Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving and support MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which aims to end drunk driving completely through:

• High-visibility law enforcement, including sobriety checkpoints
• Ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers
• Advanced vehicle technologies to prevent drunk driving
• Public support – led by MADD and concerned citizens nationwide

Tennessee Man Arrested for 7th DUI

According to an article in the Cookeville, Tennessee Herald-Citizen, a driver who rear-ended another car in a restaurant drive-through was charged with his seventh drunk driving offense.

People continue to drive drunk because they can. Studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses. Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

Driver Arrested in Fatal Indianapolis Crash Had 4 Previous DUIs

According to an article in The Indianapolis Star, an Indiana man convicted four times on drunk driving charges was arrested again this week, after police say his blood-alcohol level was 0.11 after he slammed into the car of a 70-year-old woman, killing her.

People continue to drive drunk because they can. Studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses. Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

Two Montana Drivers Get DUIs in Single Traffic Stop

According to an article in the Billings Gazette, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper nabbed two allegedly drunk drivers in one traffic stop. The trooper was investigating the driver when his passenger started to drive away. Both men admitted to drinking and failed sobriety tests. They were cited for DUI and taken to jail.

Research shows that individuals convicted of drunk driving for the first time have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest. Alcohol ignition interlocks are proven to be an effective tool in the battle against drunk driving. Studies have shown ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses.

Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

Pennsylvania Man Arrested for DUI Twice in 5 Hours

According to LancasterOnline.com, a 50-year old Pennsylvania man was arrested for suspected DUI following a crash, just hours after he was involved in another crash and arrested for suspected drunk driving.

Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

Most Felony Drunk Drivers in Milwaukee County Avoid Prison

According to an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, fewer than half the people sentenced for a fifth-offense drunk driving felony in Milwaukee County go to prison. Additionally, “almost two-thirds of people sentenced under the stricter law spent a year or less in custody. Those with higher blood-alcohol levels didn't always serve more time. And almost a quarter of the people convicted of the fifth-offense felony between 1999 and 2006 already have re-offended - some more than once.”

In 2007, 313 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in Wisconsin.Sign the Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving in Wisconsin.

Contact your lawmakers about mandating ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers.

Washington State Man Jailed After 14th DUI Arrest

According to a story in The Seattle Times, a man is being held in jail in Mount Vernon, Wash., after being arrested for the 14th time for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

People continue to drive drunk because they can. Studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses. Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

21-Year Old Wisconsin Woman Accused of Killing Another Woman During Drunk Driving Hit and Run Had Previous Drunk Driving Arrests

Prosecutors say 21-year-old Jessica McKay drove drunk, ran a red light, and hit and killed 25-year-old Melissa Ahrens in Milwaukee, then fled the scene.

According to the article from TMJ4 in Milwaukee, McKay was arrested for drunk driving in Waukesha County in April 2007. She was convicted in May and the very next day she was arrested again in Dodge County for once again driving drunk.

Ignition interlocks might have prevented this tragedy. Contact your lawmakers and urge them to require alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders.

Man Arrested for DWI Blames Bad Driving on Spilled Beer

According to news reports, “A man with four previous drunken driving convictions who was stopped for weaving in and out of traffic on Interstate 40 was ready with an excuse for his poor driving: his passenger spilled his beer.”

The man was subsequently arrested for DWI – his sixth such arrest. Read the complete story from KOB TV.

Research shows that those convicted of drunk driving for the first time have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest. This is just one reason why MADD advocates for ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers.

Newlyweds Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver with Previous DWIs

A crash in Dallas over Labor Day weekend, caused by a suspected repeat drunk driving offender, killed a young married couple and injured an SUV full of SMU students. Read the complete story from The Dallas Morning News.

MADD supports ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. In the coming legislative session, MADD will urge lawmakers to implement sobriety checkpoints in Texas – one of only ten states that prohibits their use.

Massachusetts Man Arrested for Drunk Driving for 15th Time

A South Yarmouth man arrested for drunk driving had 14 prior OUI arrests and 9 prior convictions. Read the complete story from WBZ TV.

Contact your lawmakers about mandating ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers.

Accused Drunk Driver Who Hit a Mother and Her Triplets Arrested for Suspicion of DUI Again

The driver who ran into a Tennessee mother and her triplets a few weeks ago was recently arrested again on suspicion of driving under the influence, police said. Read the complete story from WSMV.

Studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 65 percent effective in keeping convicted drunk drivers from recommitting the crime, as long as the ignition interlock is installed on the vehicle. Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

Washington Driver Convicted of 9th Drunk Driving Offense

A 45-year-old man has received his ninth drunken driving conviction, which could send him to prison for six years. Read the complete story from the Bellingham Herald.