Interlock Ignition Systems Proposed to Deter DUI

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A Memphis Firefighter has been arrested for driving under the influence. He's the second firefighter in two weeks to be arrested for drinking and driving.

Investigators say both men refused to take blood alcohol tests. Now there is legislation pending that would stiffen penalties for people who refuse the tests.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, many states that have enacted similar legislation have seen a significant decrease in drunk driving deaths.

Around 2:00am Thursday, 36-year old Memphis Firefighter Edward Naumann was arrested for drunk driving in Tipton County. He was also charged with violating the "implied consent law" for refusing to take a blood alcohol test.

He's not alone. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, there is a 73-percent refusal rate among DUI offenders in areas where there are special DUI prosecutors.

Dell Russell is a volunteer for Mothers Against Drunk Driving or MADD. Her husband, Memphis Firefighter Bobby Russell, was killed in 1995 by a former police major who was accused of drinking and driving but refused the blood alcohol test.

He pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and was sentenced to two years probation.

Russell and MADD are now fighting for legislation in Tennessee that would require ignition interlock systems for drivers who refuse to take a blood alcohol test or breathalyzer.

"It means they'd have to blow into the device in order for their car to start," Russell explained.

Russell said it's harder to be convicted for DUI when there's no blood alcohol test and a "refusal conviction" means no jail time but instead a suspended license for 1 year, which does not always stop people from driving.

"If you've done any DUI work at all, people don't have license to drive they just get in the car to drive," said Russell.

MADD has worked on interlock legislation in Tennessee for 3 years and is hopeful for passage in 2010.

"I think people don't realize they're taking a chance on killing themselves or another innocent person" said Russell. "It really would save a lot of lives."

Naumann has been relieved of duty with pay pending an investigation.