CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A new Ohio law designed to protect people from repeat drunk drivers takes effect this week.
"Annie's Law" increases penalties for first-time offenders, stretching the minimum license suspension from six months to one year.
It reduces the period by half if drivers agree to use a breathalyzer that prevents a car from starting if it detects alcohol.
During sentencing, judges will also be able to look at ten years worth of driving records, rather than just six.
Drunk driving-related deaths accounted for nearly 40% of traffic fatalities last year in Ohio.
The new law is named after Annie Rooney, who was hit and killed by a repeat drunk driver four years ago in Ross County.
The new law takes effect on Thursday, April 6.
