Hingham police show anti-drunk driving unit

MASSACHUSETTS SENATE

Hingham police to demonstrate interlock device
Sen. Hedlund bill would require device in cars of drunk drivers

BOSTON, MA – Hingham police on Monday will demonstrate interlock safety devices, which are installed in vehicles to prevent drunk drivers from starting their cars.

The devices are the subject of a bill filed by Sen. Robert L. Hedlund, R-Weymouth, that would make the devices mandatory for anyone convicted of drunk driving. Interlock devices work like in-car breathalyzer tests.

In order to start a car with an interlock device, which is wired into the car’s ignition, the driver must blow through the tube into the device, which then analyzes the driver’s blood alcohol content. If the reading is .02 percent or higher, the vehicle will not start.

“These devices are in use elsewhere around the country and show promise as way to reduce repeat drunk driving offenses,” said Sen. Hedlund, who was a main sponsor of Melanie’s Law, the state’s tough anti-drunk driving law. Under Melanie’s Law, interlock devices are mandatory for repeat drunk drivers.

Safe Start Inc., one of four companies authorized to install the devices in Massachusetts, will be on hand at the Hingham Police Department garage starting at 4:30 p.m. to demonstrate how the device works.

“Interlock devices are an effective and reliable way to prevent drunk drivers from getting back behind the wheel,” said Hingham Police Sgt. Steven Dearth.

Also attending the event will be Jill O’Bryan, of Rockland, who was struck by a repeat drunk driver in 2005. Jill, now 25, has undergone 26 surgeries to repair damage from the accident and recently underwent a complete knee replacement.

“You have to wonder how many people have not been injured by drunk drivers since the state started mandating the use of interlock devices,” Jill’s father, Rick O’Bryan, said.

As of October 2008, 533 Massachusetts drivers had been required to use interlock devices. Of those drivers, only two had reoffended.

Hingham Police will also be promoting their 7th annual Designated Driver Program, which recruits local bars and restaurants to offer free non-alcoholic drinks to patrons serving as designated drivers.