When a driver is behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he or she is significantly more likely to cause an accident. To lower the chance of collisions that could leave innocent people hurt or killed, a lawmaker from Michigan has proposed laws with the intent of combating drunk driving. One proposal is to require all passenger vehicles to come equipped with system that will prevent drunk drivers from operating them.
In an infrastructure package proposed in the Senate, all new vehicles would be required to come equipped with technology that fights drunk driving. If passed and signed into law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would be required to oversee the rule-making process for how this would work. Lawmakers note that alcohol-related deaths are preventable, and say that smarter vehicles could make the roads safer.
One potential way passenger vehicles could do this would be to include cameras in vehicles or other means to detect alcohol. The NHTSA would be in charge of determining what should be standard in vehicles. Supporters of the legislation say it is no different that requiring cars and trucks to come equipped with airbags.
Regardless of whether these laws pass, drivers in Michigan still face potentially steep penalties when facing drunk driving charges. An individual charged with this type of crime typically relies on defense counsel to effectively respond to the prosecution’s case. With the right help, it is possible to fight back, preserve future interests, and pursue mitigation of penalties one might face if convicted.