Bills that would require first-time drunk drivers to have ignition interlocks installed in their cars have gained ground in both the Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates.

If passed, the legislation would strengthen existing Virginia law, which currently requires ignition interlocks to be installed in the vehicles of drivers who are repeatedly caught drunk behind the wheel, or first-time offenders with a particularly high blood-alcohol content.

Among the supporters are Delegates Ron Villanueva and Sal Iaquinto, State Senator Donald McEachin and safety advocate groups such as Mothers against Drunk Driving. Ignition interlocks, when installed, require the driver to pass a breath test that checks blood-alcohol content in order to start the vehicle. They also re-administer the test periodically to ensure the driver has not had a drink within the last hour.

Christopher Konschak of Mothers Against Drunk Driving Virginia told The Virginian-Pilot that 15 states currently have laws similar to the one being considered. Delegate Iaquinto noted that 274 Virginians died in accidents involving drunk driving in 2010, and another 5,578 were injured.

If passed and successfully implemented, the law could significantly improve vehicle safety in the state, reducing injuries, associated costs and Virginia auto insurance rates.