Hats off
DUI bill has good intent
The constitutionality of requiring people with multiple DUI convictions to submit to breath tests likely will be decided by the courts in Ohio, assuming Gov. Ted Strickland signs Senate Bill 17 into law.
If that portion of the bill is struck down, there are parts we hope can be retained. SB 17 also would subject offenders to mandatory treatment and require vehicle ignition interlocks that won't allow a car or truck to start if the driver has had too much to drink, and it would call for continuous alcohol monitoring.
About 33,000 Ohioans have been convicted of DUI five or more times, according to state officials. That's despite laws that already call for sanctions such as license suspensions, vehicle impoundment and the use of identifying license plates.
Something more needs to be done. Major portions of this bill attempt to prevent habitual offenders from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
