LANSING (WTVB) - Michigan doesn’t require it, but the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is pushing for increased use of ignition interlock devices as a way to prevent drunk driving deaths. David Strickland said requiring the devices for first-time offenders is the "best overall policy," and noted states have the power to impose the requirement. He revealed that more than 70 percent of 2010 deaths in drunk driver-involved crashes came when the driver had a blood-alcohol level about twice the legal limit. Seventeen states require first-time DUI offenders to use the interlock device if they want to keep driving. States will get more federal funds for highways beginning in October if they require interlock devices for convicted drunk drivers.


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