Is this idea an example of "too much big government"?

[Mustang]

Or is this an example of gov't acting responsibly to protect its citizens?

Curbing drunken drivers: Should ignition interlock be required on every car?

By msnbc.com's Jim Gold


Connecticut motorists convicted of drunken driving are the latest to face mandatory use of ignition interlock devices, a step seen by some as steering the nation closer to requiring alcohol detection systems as standard equipment in all vehicles.


Pushed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Connecticut on Jan. 1 joined 14 other states with ignition-interlock mandates for drivers caught with blood-alcohol content above the legal limit, even for first-time offenders. A similar pilot program is under way in four California counties.

At least 24 other states mandate Breathalyzer-like locks for so-called hard-core drunken drivers who include repeat offenders or those caught with alcohol levels of .15 or more.

 

[Polk]

Bad idea. I don't have a problem with these systems for those who have been convicted of drunk driving (although I'd question the cost/benefit of use for first time offenders), but requiring them across the board seems silly.