Every year, drunk-driving crashes claim more than 10,000 lives in the US, according to NHTSA. With an ignition interlock device in every car, a substantial number of road fatalities would be prevented. This device, also called a car breathalyzer, is a mechanism installed in a vehicle’s dashboard and used to check a driver’s breath for signs of alcohol before starting the car.
If it detects that the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is above the legal limit, the engine will not start. It is a game-changing technology that was developed to tackle the menace of driving under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving offenders are compelled by a court order to install one, but you can also voluntarily install one.
About the Ignition Interlock
It’s a handheld unit that is about the size of a TV remote. It has a mouthpiece to breathe into, an inbuilt technology to gauge the amount of alcohol in your breath, and a cord connecting the device to the vehicle’s ignition system. This device entered the market in 1988 after it showed success in halting alcohol-related fatalities. Since then, its usage has increased steadily; therefore, you can easily find the ignition interlock device in Los Angeles and other regions.
How It Works
Whenever you want to start your car, you are first subjected to a breath test. All you need to do is blow into the mouthpiece. If your breath sample has levels of alcohol that are at or beyond the set limit, the car will be locked for a given period. If below the threshold, you can hit the ignition and start the vehicle. Every state has its own laws concerning breathalyzers, and the device you install has to meet the set standards.
Choosing the Right Device
There are multiple ignition interlock devices to choose from, but first, you need to make sure it is state-certified. Modern breathalyzers are increasingly sophisticated, and the new features are adding an extra layer of safety while improving user experience. Now you don’t have to worry about getting locked out of your car after gargling a mouthwash that contains alcohol.
The new breathalyzers come in sleek designs, are discreet, easy to use, can function in extreme conditions, and return accurate results each time. Some come with a smart camera that can detect a change of drivers, thus initiating a new test. As nobody wants to waste time interacting with the device, you should pick an ignition interlock that returns results immediately.
Benefits of Installing the Device
85% of alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths could be prevented over a 15-year period by using interlock devices, according to The National Center for Biotechnology Information. Installing an ignition interlock device can benefit you in many situations. Most importantly, this device saves lives as the driver, and other road users won’t be in danger.
As it prevents you, your teens, and other family members from driving your car when intoxicated, your loved ones will always have peace of mind. It is cheaper in the long term as opposed to being hit with hefty penalties and fines when you commit an offense. It prevents one from repeating a drinking and driving crime, helps offenders to regain legal driving status, and it guarantees that drivers of a company vehicle will only drive when sober.
Summary
There is no doubt that ignition interlock devices make the roads safer for everyone. To have your car installed with one, look for a state-certified ignition interlock provider in your area. These experts ensure the process is quick, safe, and convenient. Regularly, you should return to the provider so that the device can be calibrated to ensure it consistently gives accurate alcohol measurements.