Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Elected leaders hope a new law now in place will save lives and keep drunk drivers off our roads.
Emma's Law requires ignition interlock devices for some convicted of DUI.
The law is named for 6-year-old Emma Longstreet of Lexington. She was killed when a repeat drunk driver hit her family's van as they family headed to church.
The devices do more than just prevent a driver who had a drink from cranking up behind the wheel Charles McNeill with Guardian Interlock says it also makes sure they do not try to take a sip after the car is in motion through rolling re-tests.
"It's in place to make sure that they don't pick up something to drink while they're driving because they already have the vehicle started," said McNeill.
The system comes with a camera that take pictures before, during and after a test. Those images and other data are given to the state Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.
Ruth Ann Cartwright is over the agency's Ignition Interlock Program. She says Emma's Law will result in an increased use of the device and they have brought on more staff to review files for those cases. It is something that she and many across the state hope will save lives.
"Studies have shown that it reduces recidivism rates by almost 67 percent," she said." So, certainly if a driver elects to participate in a program it most certainly will reduce deaths in South Carolina."
McNeill demonstrated the device's sensitivity for reporters showing how just a dab of mouth wash can cause someone to fail. Users must wait for a retest, or risk it being reported that they would not take another test. He says there are procedures in place that allow for mechanics to contact them directly to use a vehicle without any information going to the user.
The systems are monitored monthly, but McNeill says it is not just those required by law who are using the devices.
"We have parents that have called in to have the device put on the vehicles of their children because they recognize that their children might drink but they don't want them to go out and commit a crime," he said.
McNeill admits the company will likely see more business as a result of the new law, but he says it is a tool that can also help change a way of life.
"It helps that person that might have a problem to change his or her mindset when it comes to thinking about drinking. Taking a drink, if they have to drive, or just taking a drink in general," he said.
