Have You Heard??? "Leandra's Law" Is In Effect.

Starting today August 15th 2010 the "INTERLOCK IGNITION DEVICE" IS in effect. For those of you who don't know what this is..... I will explain.

***THE INTERLOCK IGNITION DEVICE is a breathalyzer that is used to disable a vehicles ignition according to the persons alcohol level.***

Though ALL states have a limit of .08 for it to be considered a crime to drive, this device will ONLY shut you down at a level of .025 or more. These devices generally cost between $75-$100. It is MANDATORY to have one if you have a felony or misdemeanor related to driving drunk. Anyone convicted of drunk driving INCLUDING 1st time offenders will be handled.

And if this is bad to you..... It gets worse. If you are transporting children 16 years and under and get caught. Not only is this considered a CLASS E FELONY, but you can be SENTENCED anywhere from 1-4 YEARS in STATE PRISON and FINED up to $5,000, to match your wonderful breathalyzer. And OF COURSE common sense can now kick in to let you know if a child is injured or killed, then the penalties are DEFINITELY worse.

This is called "Leandra's Law" also known as (Child Passenger Protection Act / CPPA) It was named after 11 year old Leandra Rosado who last October was thrown from a car driven by an intoxicated driver and killed. And though only 12 states use this as of right now (including New York), other states are looking into it.

So if you're in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, New York (starting today), or Hawaii (starting January)..... DRIVE SAFE and DRIVE SOBER.