Drunk Driving, Ignition Interlocks, and Everything In Between
Every day in America, another 28 people die as a result of drunk driving. Even though the government has worked hard to put in place strict laws to try and curve drunk driving it is still a problem that plagues the United States. Now, there are more steps being taken towards protecting people from dangerous drunk drivers. This includes the introduction of an ignition interlock!
The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $59 billion. Previous items like a car breathalyzer do not work as efficiently as the interlock device and thus, it is essential we move forward to new forms of protection. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher involved in fatal crashes were six times more likely to have a prior conviction for DWI than were drivers with no alcohol in their system. Here are more facts on this newly developed device!
An Ignition Interlock Can Stop Drunk Drivers In Their Tracks
If the government made interlocks mandatory equipment in all cars then they would be set below the legal BAC of 0.08. so this means on average, they would likely be set to 0.03 or 0.04. That way, people can be protected and will not be able to drive at all after consuming alcohol.
Most ignition interlocks will prompt you to perform a rolling retest five to 15 minutes after the vehicle is started and randomly throughout the trip. Ignition interlocks prohibit the engine from starting if an alcohol sensing device registers above a pre-set level, typically around 0.02 BAC. So it is incredibly easy to understand how this type of device could help us move forward with keeping the roads safe and clean of drunk drivers.
An Ignition Interlock Is Helpful In Reducing Drunk Driving
Interlocks help reduce repeat offenses even after the device is removed by 39% compared to offenders who never installed this kind of device in their car. This might be the strongest statistic surrounding this preventative device. This means that people are able to keep themselves safe even after their required period of utilization. So why not use this device as the norm to keep all drivers safe and sound.
When installed, interlocks are associated with about a 70% reduction in arrest rates for impaired driving. So there is no reason not to have an interlock installation process for any driver that has dealt with a DUI as of late. There are already about 150,000 interlock systems and counting now in cars in the United States, placed there for drivers with multiple DUI convictions. It is important that we work towards expanding this and using them in almost every vehicle so that all people can be safe while driving out on the open road.
In Conclusion
If harsh actions like using jail, hefty fines, and license suspensions have not worked yet then it is time to start thinking of new ways to provide drivers with plenty of safety. That way, all drivers can be protected and kept safe while they drive out on the open road every day.