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Lawmaker wants ignition interlock device for 1st time DUI offenders

BOISE -- Two groups are teaming up in hopes of making Idaho roads a bit safer.

AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving joined together at the Statehouse this afternoon to talk about House bills 551 and 553.

The goal with both is to stop drunk drivers with a blood alcohol level of .08 or greater from re-offending.

House Bill 551 would require the use of ignition interlocks for all first-time convicted drunk drivers for one year.

House Bill 553 would allow some first-time offenders to enter a diversion program in hopes of clearing their record, but offenders would still be required to have an ignition interlock device for the duration of the diversion program.

"A really shocking statistic is that on average people drive 80 times before they are pulled over for drunk driving the first time, and I think that shows how important it is that even on the first offense, people are going to have a wake-up call with an ignition interlock device," said Sen. Grant Burgoyne.

Both bills were presented to the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee.

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