"This is the thing we need to do to keep our rate (of accidents) from creeping up."

In addition to providing a zero tolerance restriction for DUI offenders, SB42 would make it harder for a person suspected of driving drunk to refuse a chemical test of blood, breath, urine or other bodily fluids.

Depending upon past driving history, the measure would allow the state to restrict the person from driving with any alcohol in their system for five or 10 years. With current laws, it is difficult to prosecute without any "hard" evidence from something like a chemical test.

"Offenders become educated on how to get around the system," Swain said. "This legislation is a huge tool for us to stop these people from drinking under the influence."

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SB42 would:

Change the allowed blood alcohol content (BAC) to "zero" for any person convicted of a past DUI.

Assign any person convicted of a DUI as an "alcohol-restricted driver" with the state driver's licence division.

Provide for 10 years of "zero tolerance" alcohol-restricted driving if a person is convicted of a second DUI offense.

Provide for a lifetime of "zero tolerance," alcohol-restricted driving on a third DUI offense.

Threaten drunken drivers with increased time as an "alcohol-restricted driver" if they refuse a chemical test of blood, breath, urine or other bodily fluids. Restrictions would be increased to five or 10 years, depending on past driving history.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com