Bill to Put Tighter Restrictions on Drunk Driving

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- That glass of wine with dinner or beer at the ballpark could be a thing of the past.

The government is testing technology that could detect if someone is drunk as soon as they get in their car. It is part of a bill aimed at stopping drunk drivers.

But, not everyone is giving the bill a green light, even state lawmakers.

The proposed technology is one step further than a breathalyzer. The new sensors will make it possible to detect alcohol through touch and sight and it could be standard technology in all new cars.

Imagine that with just a touch of the steering wheel and a peek in the rearview mirror your car could know if you've had one too many alcoholic drinks.

That technology is not too far off. Capitol Hill lawmakers are finding a way to develop alcohol sensors that could be built into the steering wheel and mirrors. It's all in an effort to reduce drunk driving. Every year about 250 Oklahomans die in alcohol-related accidents.

"I think we need to do all that we can," State Representative Scott Inman (D) Minority Leader Elect.

Rep. Inman tried a couple years ago to crack down on repeat DUI offenders. He supports the national legislation if it can do the same.

"The best uses of the technology would be for judges to order DUI offenders to have them put it on their car," Rep. Inman said.

But he's not so sure the sensors should be mandatory in every car.

"I wouldn't be in favor of that…to me it seems too much like a 'Big Brother' problem," Inman said.

Bartenders at Dan O'Briens say they already keep a close eye on customers.

"I'm sure the average patron would be against it," said bartender Martin Barrett. "If we notice that a guest has enjoyed a few too many drinks then we will call them a cab ourselves and pick up the tab for it."

Barrett doesn't think the technology will keep patrons from the bar. He says it may force them to find safer options than jumping behind the wheel.

"They will just go about finding better ways to get home, take a cab, ride a bus or car pool," Barrett said.

It will cost about $50 million to develop the technology and Senator Charles Schumer of New York, who is leading the charge, says it could be ready in a few years.