Minn. Senate approves crackdown on drunken drivers

The Minnesota Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that aims to crack down on convicted drunken drivers by making some blow into a tube before driving.

A bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Steve Murphy seeks to keep drunken drivers off the road by making them install breath-activated ignition devices on their vehicles that test the alcohol level in a person's breath.

The device prevents a vehicle from starting if the level is above 0.02 blood-alcohol content.

The proposal passed the Senate with a voice vote on Monday.

Lawmakers say the state's recent rash of vehicle accidents highlight the need for stricter road laws.

The House passed a similar version of the bill last week. The legislation has more steps to go before reaching Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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