Drunk driving is a serious problem in the US. A DUI conviction can completely ruin a person’s life, which is why it is important to hire a lawyer to fight against a DUI charge.
Usually, the consequences of a DUI conviction are quite severe in the US, as DUI can lead to fatal accidents. A conviction can lead to license revocation and prison time.
One of the consequences of a DUI conviction is the installation of ignition interlock devices in the car. Let’s explore how effective these ignition interlock devices are and the laws surrounding their operation in the US.
1. How the Ignition Interlock Operates
Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) are devices installed in vehicles to bar the driver from driving when under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. The small devices are connected to a vehicle’s ignition system and require the driver to give a breath sample before starting the vehicle. In any case, if it detects alcohol on the breath, the vehicle cannot start.
For a driver to use the IID, he/she must blow his/her breath into the mouthpiece attached to the device. It then analyzes the breath sample to determine the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
If the concentration is above the legal limit, IID will prevent the vehicle from getting started. Besides, some IIDs require the driver to give additional breath samples at intervals when the vehicle is in motion. This ensures the driver does not drink while driving.
What makes the devices unique are the tamper-proof and calibration features that bar false readings. The devices also come with a data recorder that logs all breath tests, and all attempts to tamper with the device.
2. Effectiveness of the Interlock Devices
In various research studies, ignition interlock devices have been found effective in eliminating drunk driving cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that IIDs have reduced drunk driving occurrences by 70%.
A study by the National Institute of Health has also found IIDs to be effective in preventing impaired driving. It reports that there has been a 16% decrease in fatal crashes caused by drunk drivers and a 65% reduction in DUIs.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also reports that ignition locks are key to reducing drunk driving accidents. MADDs have a goal for every state to have ignition interlocks for first-time offenders. They are certain that ignition interlocks have stopped about 350,000 attempts at drunk driving since December 2016. In Pennsylvania alone, ignition locks prevented 5,370 attempts by drunken drivers to move their vehicles in 2016.
The effectiveness of the devices is due to the fact that a driver cannot start a vehicle when they have a high level of alcohol concentration in their blood. The driver will blow their breath into the device, and it will analyze it to start the vehicle. In the event of alcohol detection, the vehicle will not be able to start.
This way, IIDs keep drivers accountable for all the actions they commit. It also requires drivers to take breath tests occasionally while behind the wheel; it helps ensure drivers do not take alcohol when driving on the road.
Conclusion
Drunk driving is a menace, posing a serious threat to road users’ safety. The ignition interlock proves to be an effective solution for reducing DUI recidivism rates and preventing drunk driving accidents. Though its advantages outweigh its limitations, incorporating them on the road is ideal.
If you are in trouble for drunk driving, you can consult expert lawyers to help you navigate through the legal system. They understand how an ignition interlock device works and the laws surrounding it. They can get you out of trouble if you are facing a DUI charge.