Former Chicago Bears and Longhorn running back Cedric Benson appeared in Travis County Court Monday morning and was ordered to install an ignition interlock breathalyzer in his car.
As part of the terms added to his bond, Benson is required to have it installed on his vehicle within 72 hours.
The device is a mechanism attached to the dashboard of a vehicle that works like a breathalyzer. If your breath alcohol content is over a certain amount, the vehicle will not start.
Until that device is installed, he cannot attend any alcohol-related events and is encouraged to finish any counseling he might be in prior to returning to court.
Jim Currier of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) said the circumstances are unique.
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Benson's bond
Cedric Benson appeared in court Monday.
 
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"It is unusual to order an interlock device when you don't have a conviction," Currier said. "However, when there's a public safety issue, the judge does have the discretion to order the device at any time."
Judge Elizabeth Earle called Benson to appear in court to determine the best course of action to take while Benson is out on bond.
Earl decided not to take the chance of another alcohol related arrest.
"She may be trying to send the message that someone who is a public figure, like Mr. Benson is, has the perfect opportunity to set the example for folks," Currier said.
Dottie McDonald is with Smart Start, which installs the ignition interlock system.
"With his ignition interlock it will help him with his driving habits and separating drinking from driving," McDonald said. "One thing we know about ignition interlock is that it cuts recidivism by as much as 65 to 80 percent."
Benson was arrested on Lake Travis, charged with boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest back in May.
Then in June he was arrested in downtown Austin and was charged with a DWI.
Neither case has gone to court yet.
Judge Earle expressed her concern for Benson and the importance of his role in the community.
"I think Mr. Benson can bounce back from this," Currier said. "It really depends on how he looks at this and how seriously he takes it."
