A proposal to put more ignition interlock devices into the cars of drunk drivers has already passed the state House, but hasn't yet had a hearing in the NC Senate.
Family members of victims of drunk drivers came to Raleigh for a news conference Tuesday to push for progress.
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House Bill 789 would allow some first-time drunk drivers to voluntarily install an ignition interlock device in their cars in exchange for a chance at a lighter sentence.
The option would be available only to first-time offenders who have not injured anyone and whose blood alcohol content was under .15 percent. They would have to install the device within 45 days of the incident for which they were charged, and leave it in place for 6 months.
Ignition interlock devices are breathalyzers that are hooked up to vehicles. They prevent a car from starting if the driver has alcohol in their system. Drivers also have to take tests at intervals during their drive. Courts already require these devices are some high-risk or repeat drunk drivers.
Sponsor Rep. Mike Schietzelt, R-Wake, said his bill would let drunk drivers voluntarily put one on their cars before their court date, potentially averting a tragedy.
"What this allows somebody to do is say, 'Listen, I made a mistake. I'm going to install this in my car voluntarily,'" Schietzelt said. "You're going to get a lesser sentence, and you're going to be able to have your driver's license restored more quickly. We're going to recognize the fact that you took accountability for your mistake."
In 2023, 415 North Carolinians were killed by drunk driving. That's according to Emily Ferraro, state director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
"Ignition interlocks reduce repeat drunk driving offenses by up to 70% while installed," Ferraro said. "That's not just a statistic, that's a solution — a solution we cannot afford to ignore."
Shon Keaton was one of the family members of victims of drunk driving who came to speak out in favor of the bill. She lost her 27-year-old son Picasso Keaton in a July 2024 crash that she says was caused by a drunk driver.
At the time of his death, Keaton was teaching at Lyons Farm Elementary in Durham and coaching football at his alma mater, Jordan High School. He played football for Winston-Salem State University, where he graduated with three degrees.
She said he would be remembered as a "golden child" who always smiled and who loved to help kids.
"Every day, my life is different. I am trying to just breathe every second, every hour," she told WRAL, her eyes filling with tears. "But I know my purpose, and I know what God is asking me to do, so I'm going to continue to be strong, resilient and continue to smile and make sure that this doesn't happen to anybody else."
The measure passed the state House 100-7 last month, but has not advanced in the Senate. Schietzelt said he's still optimistic they will hear it.