Senator Bill Payne

For Immediate Release Sunday, February 14, 2010 Contact: 986-4702

Another Pioneering, Effective, Cost-Efficient Way to Fight DWI SoughtSanta Fe—The fight against DWI continues in the New Mexico State Senate.

The Senate voted unanimously to study how a drug that treats alcohol abuse and dependence could be effective in preventing DWI in the state in a cost effective way.

Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne of Albuquerque sponsored the Senate Memorial that requests a study of whether the FDA-approved drug Antabuse could be a voluntary alternative to obtaining an ignition interlock device for those convicted of DWI.

The drug helps people stop drinking by causing a severe adverse reaction if a person drinks while taking the medication.

Because the fund that provides ignition interlocks to those convicted of DWI but cannot afford to buy them is broke, Senator Payne said it is timely to study an effective and more cost effective way to keep DWI offenders who still drink off the road.

“I believe the state fund that provides ignition interlocks is out of money, it is down $600,000 while convictions requiring the interlocks are increasing everyday. The study will indicate whether this drug treatment that is sometimes used in the military and elsewhere is a cost-effective alternative,” Senator Payne said.

Senator Kent Cravens who has been a champion fighting against drinking and driving and who sponsored legislation to require ignition interlocks for those convicted of DWI said New Mexico could continue to be a pioneer in its fight against DWI if the drug treatment proves to be effective.

“I encourage any innovative alternative to relieve the pain and suffering of DWI,” Senator Cravens said. “New Mexico is considered a pioneer, we lead the country and the world in innovation in tackling DWI. It all started with ignition interlock. This alternative might prove to be another innovation to help in the fight,” Senator Cravens said.

The Senate voted 33 to 0 for Senate Memorial 48. A task force including the Department of Public Safety and MVD should study the feasibily and estimate the costs or saving of allowing the drug as a voluntary alternative to the installation of an ignition interlock device.