DRUNK DRIVERS are the scourge of highways, but in too many states they are coddled by courts and lawmakers. A prime example is Maryland, which has repeatedly balked at getting tough with motorists who get sloshed before they get behind the wheel, even though they are responsible for more than a quarter of all deaths in roadway accidents. But a proven device can dramatically cut the rate of crashes, fatalities and repeat offenses — if only state lawmakers have the backbone to embrace it.

The device is an ignition interlock, which can be simply installed in the cars of convicted drunk drivers. The interlocks prevent a driver from starting a car until he blows into a mouthpiece attached to the instrument panel, which analyzes blood alcohol level. If sober, the driver can start the car. Retesting is required randomly after that, and a recorder stores information on the driver’s successes and failures that officials can access.

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