COLUMBUS – Ohio lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously passed a law supporters say has reduced repeat drunk-driving offenses in the more than two dozen states where it is already in the books.
The measure, known as “Annie’s Law,” would cut in half a one-year license suspension for first-time OVI offenders if they use an ignition interlock device for at least six months, according to Rep. Gary Scherer (R-Circleville), pictured left.
The law is named after Annie Rooney, a Chillicothe resident who died in an accident involving a drunk driver on July 4, 2013, when she was 36 years old.
“This legislation will make our roadways safer and will help protect innocent Ohioans, like Annie, from falling victim to the poor choices of a drunk driver,” Scherer said.
The Senate passed Annie’s Law 31-0 Tuesday, followed by a 91-0 vote in the House, and now goes to Gov. John Kasich for his signature.
Under the legislation, a first-time offender could petition the court for unlimited driving privileges with a certified ignition interlock device, which requires the driver to blow into a breathalyzer device to start the vehicle. Currently in Ohio, interlocks are required for repeat offenders and judges are given the discretion to require them for first-time offenders.
Similar laws have already been enacted in 28 other states, according to Doug Scoles, executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving Ohio.
“The results are just remarkable,” he said. “We have seen recidivism come down by two-thirds and fatalities reduced by over 50 percent in most states that have this already.”
Hear the complete interview with Doug Scoles on “Perspective”
While current law allows OVI offenders to have restricted driving privileges to commute to work and school while their license is under suspension, the new law would reduce the 12-month suspension to six and allow the offender to request unlimited driving privileges, as long as the interlock device is used, Scherer said.
MADD says the driving restrictions mandated by the existing law are violated by 50 to 75 percent of offenders.