Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Mothers Against Drunk Driving and others made their voices heard at the State House Wednesday.
They are supporting legislation that would crack down on first time DUI offenders.
"Today MADD is trying to reform the drunk driving law by requiring all convicted drunk drivers to 'blow before they go' by using an ignition interlock device," said Frank Harris, with MADD.
South Carolina currently requires ignition interlock machines for repeat convicted drunk drivers.
"It's a very simple concept: you drink, you drive and you violate public trust, you get an interlock on your car," said Harris.
The new legislation, authored by State Senator Joel Lourie, requires first time offenders to have the ignition interlock system in their car.
"DUI is a terrible problem in South Carolina, it hurts way too many families and this is the chance to do something significant about it," said Senator Lourie.
Senator Lourie says there are 15 other states that require ignition interlocks for all drunk drivers.
"They have seen a steep decline in DUI related deaths from the passage of the successful ignition interlock program. It is affecting way too many families throughout our state," said Senator Lourie.
Senator Lourie says he hopes to get the legislation to the senate floor by March 1st.