November 20, 2007, WTAP News

Reporter: Todd Baucher

While they are working to put trucks on the road ... law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to keep drunk drivers off the road...due to the approaching holiday season.

In the meantime, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has its own campaign going...to change how convicted drunk drivers must submit themselves to using car interlock devices.

Those devices are designed to require drivers to submit to breath alcohol tests...which would keep a vehicle from running if drivers fail the test.

"A person on the interlock device will help make our highways safer," says Donna Hawkins, Director of MADD's West Virginia chapter. "We also think it will help the counties in terms of less jail costs, and also help the offender provide for his or her family, in terms of still being able to drive on the highways."

Tight now, drivers have to be convicted of second-offense D.U.I. to be required to have the devices.

MADD wants the legislature to change that to a first-offense conviction.

It hopes the West Virginia Legislature will change those guidelines, when it holds its 2007 session beginning in January.