Have Multiple Duis? Installing An Ignition Interlock Can Help
Every day, about 28 people in the US die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 52 minutes. In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 10,142 deaths as a result of impaired drivers. Given this safety concern, hopefully, we can agree that even one DUI is enough of a reason to have an ignition interlock device installed to reduce the risk of injury and even death.
In most states, if you have multiple DUIs, installing an IID is mandatory. Right now, 34 states and the District of Columbia have All-Offender laws that make it mandatory to have an IID after the first offense, and this trend is likely to rise.
If your state mandates participating in an ignition interlock program for repeat offenders, it can be very helpful to you. It reduces your chances of getting another DUI and helps you to successfully complete your state program. More importantly, it reduces the risk of you doing harm to yourself, a loved one, or a complete stranger who just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The facts are clear. Over 10,000 deaths in 2019 could have been prevented. If you have an ignition interlock in your vehicle, the chances of you causing one of these deaths or an injury associated with intoxicated driving are greatly reduced.
CDC research finds IIDs reduce repeat offenses by two-thirds. That’s significant!
Courts, treatment centers, and probation officers are relying more and more on technology, like IIDs, as a way of encouraging good behavior and discouraging repeat offenses. Punitive measures like jail time, vehicle impoundment, suspensions, and fines may work sometimes, but helping individuals make better choices so they can resume normal lives is preferred.
How does an ignition interlock device work?
An IID is a sophisticated car breathalyzer. You simply blow into the device and the concentration of alcohol in your breath is measured. Each state mandates a standard measure for blood alcohol content (BAC). This standard is programmed into the device at installation. If the device registers at or above the mandated level, you won’t be able to start your car. It will ask you to wait a few minutes and try again.
The IID will ask for random retests when your vehicle is running. This is a way of ensuring that alcohol consumption does not begin after the vehicle is successfully started. The device also collects data that is sent to your monitoring agency.
What can an ignition interlock do for you?
We’ve already shown that IIDs reduce impaired driving and that the risk of repeat offenses goes down significantly. That gives you, the driver, peace of mind that you are driving safely and causing no harm to yourself or others. Even after the interlock program is finished, some people elect to keep the device in order to avoid another DUI occurrence and for safety reasons.
If you think about it, the IID helps you get back to living your life. You can continue to take the kids to school or to soccer games, do the shopping, or go to a movie. More importantly, you can get to work and continue earning a living to support yourself and your family.
Where do I get an ignition interlock?
If it has been recommended or mandated that you install an interlock device, understand that all costs associated are your responsibility. However, keep in mind that this is a much smaller cost than the fines and even jail time that comes with driving on a suspended license. You want to avoid that as it is very expensive.
LifeSafer pioneered the ignition interlock technology over 30 years ago. We can help you through the entire process from installing your IID, maintaining it, and eventually removing it when your program is completed.
Whether it’s your first offense or not, call one of our Customer Care Experts at 800-634-3077 and they will help you regain your freedom to drive. If you have completed your program but want the added assurance the IID gives you, LifeSafer offers a voluntary IID program.
About LifeSafer
LifeSafer is an industry leader in alcohol testing and monitoring. With over 30 years of experience in helping people like you successfully complete their alcohol programs, we offer a level of client value that no other provider can match. From superior customer care to our highly efficient analysis and reporting, you will receive an exceptional level of support. Our Authorized Service Providers focus on quality care to ensure we maintain the high standard of support our customers deserve.
Every situation and state is unique, please consult with your attorney or your state licensing authority to confirm your requirements and obligations.
The information provided in this blog does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information in this blog is current at the time of publication, but may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.