This prohibition makes it more likely that a drunk driver will refuse the test and ultimately escape serious sanctions because of a forced reliance on more subjective indicators of alcohol impaired behavior. The current law unduly benefits individuals who are drinking and driving and unnecessarily hampers police and prosecutors. We often forget that driving is a privilege and not a right. Finally, I want to mention my support of the bills to prohibit open containers of alcoholic beverages in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and the bills aimed at deterring repeat offenders. In addition to the concern about a loss of federal funds, the open container legislation seems to me to be a common sense preventative approach.
Nobody needs to drink in a car.
We all know that passengers who drink can be a serious distraction to the driver. Like Senators Ruben, Jimeno and many on the Committee, I also am concerned about repeat offenders who remain on the road and pose a serious risk to the public. Likewise, I support the thrust of Senate Bill 525 which, among other things, mandates the Motor Vehicle Administration to suspend the driver's license of a repeat offender. Drunk drivers need to know that their illegal actions will have serious consequences. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you.