Many states are cracking down on drivers that drive drunk. This has included lowering the legal blood alcohol limit to 0.08. Some states have made it even lower. States are taking these initiatives due to the extreme danger and cost associated with people driving under the influence of alcohol.
Drinking related car accidents cost more than $59 billion each year. Statistically, 28 people in the United States die every day in alcohol-related car accidents. Many states have made it mandatory for those who have been convicted of a DUI to have ignition interlock systems installed in their vehicles.
Ignition interlocks can prevent someone from driving drunk by stopping them from being able to start their vehicle if their blood alcohol level is over the legal limit. They are also commonly referred to as a car breathalyzer or ignition breathalyzer.
Currently, there are approximately 150,000 cars already equipped with interlock systems. These are in cars of drivers that have had more than one DUI conviction. Research shows that drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes are six times more likely to have had prior DUIs. This demonstrates a pattern of behavior that is increasingly dangerous.
Each ignition interlock is preprogrammed to detect a specific blood alcohol level. Most are set to detect a blood alcohol level of 0.02. If the alcohol is detected, the system will prevent the car from starting. Interlocks are believed to reduce drunk driving arrest rates by 70%.
The impact an interlock has on drivers surpasses even the use of the instrument. It has been found that repeat offenses are reduced by 39% even after the interlock is removed from the vehicle. The goal of ignition interlock companies is to effectively reduce the number of people driving drunk.
Car breathalyzer prices vary and can be installed in any vehicle. A discreet breathalyzer can go unseen by others and still provide the same protection. Some have suggested interlock devices should be installed in all new vehicles in an effect to dramatically reduce the number of people driving drunk.
In addition to preventing the vehicle from starting, interlocks can be set to perform rolling tests throughout the trip. This is to prevent someone other than the driver from taking the initial test to get the vehicle to start. The goal being to ensure the car is not being driven by someone who has been drinking alcohol.
