Detecting drunks

Starting this month, more than 70,000 Missourians who have been convicted of alcohol-related driving offenses will be getting letters from the Missouri Department of Revenue informing them that they must get breath-analyzing ignition devices installed in their cars in order to regain their driver's licenses.

The devices -- which cost as much as $200 to install and are rented by motorists for up to $100 a month -- must be used for six months.

Motorists must blow into the devices, which measure blood alcohol content.

Vehicles won't start if the devices detect a BAC that exceeds legal limits.

There are gaping holes in the effectiveness of the breath-analyzing system.

For example, anyone who has had a few drinks can get a nondrinking friend or relative to blow into the device. Once the widespread use of the devices is mandated, the ways to get around them can be expected to increase as well.

Of more concern is the number of drunken-driving offenders with multiple convictions who continue to drive even though they have lost their licenses and are ordered not to drive. These are the same motorists most likely to find a way to thwart breath analyzers.