The tougher, the better. That's what Americans say when dealing with public policies designed to reduce the number of deaths on the nation's highways.
From traffic enforcement cameras placed in strategic locations to alcohol ignition interlocks inside vehicles, Americans support strong, tough action, according to a new study by the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety (CERS), a part of the University of Minnesota. The CERS study determined that support for ignition interlocks, for instance, was widespread throughout the country. Other measures, including using stationary cameras and radar to track and identify drunk drivers, were also heavily favored.
In addition, Americans were bullish on a variety of driving issues, from supporting drunk-driving checkpoints and mandatory helmet laws for motorcycles to ticketing individuals for failing to wear seat belts.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts saved over 13,000 lives in 2008, and seat belt support was widespread, according to the study. There was also widespread support for alcohol ignition interlocks, according to the study.
The devices, which require a person to breath into a device to determine any alcohol intake prior to driving, have become popular in recent years. The devices are used in 48 states, where most require a DUI conviction for a driving offense involving a blood alcohol content of .15 percent or greater before ordering someone to install an ignition interlock device on his or her vehicle.
In some states, repeat DUI offenders must have the devices in their automobiles or they cannot drive. One interlock, the Interceptor, requires not only that someone breath into it before they start the car, but the device tests again while the car is in motion to ensure the person didn't take or stop for a drink. If drunk drivers can be stopped from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, drunk driving accidents and fatalities can be drastically reduced.
Given the widespread support for safety initiatives like seat belt laws and ignition interlock devices, these laws are likely to be enacted and strengthened in years to come. Hopefully, lives can be saved with increased safety requirements and enforcement of existing laws.
