Over 25 People Die Every Day From Drunk Driving Crashes How The Interlock Cup Plans To Change This
Drunk driving is an epidemic. It takes a combination of awareness, responsibility and updated technology to put a dent in these rates.
The interlock cup is one of the most effective devices at curbing the rates of drunk driving and saving hundreds, potentially thousands, of lives every year. When even the best awareness campaigns can’t stop someone from attempting to operate a vehicle while under the influence the interlock cup or discreet breathalyzer will provide back-up, making it impossible for the driver to go out onto the open road and put others at risk. Ignition interlock companies have been providing more and more interlock devices lately, but knowing how they work is key to using them properly.
How could a car breathalyzer device make American roads safer this year?
Drunk driving varies on the state, but it’s an American issue that is in dire need of more attention. The yearly cost of alcohol-related crashes total more than $60 billion every year in fatalities, injuries and property damage. In fact, it’s estimated every day in the United States sees 28 people dying as a result of drunk driving. Ongoing awareness campaigns have been doing their best to bring to light the deadly consequences of attempting to operate a vehicle while compromised, but sometimes a little more work has to be done. This is where the interlock cup comes in.
Drunk driving laws have evolved to reflect the times. In many states you are able to be arrested for and convicted of a DUI with a BAC (or blood alcohol content) below 0.08%, which is the standard for all states except for Utah. Utah recently changed its DUI laws from the standard to 0.05%, among other details. Drunk driving doesn’t only involve the consumption of alcohol, but consuming over-the-counter products, prescription medication and illegal drugs. The function of a car breathalyzer, however, focuses more on detecting traces of alcohol on a driver’s breath and reacting accordingly.
Ignition interlock installation may become mandatory over the coming years. There are over 150,000 interlock systems and counting in cars across the United States, though they are usually placed for drivers that have been convicted multiple times. Drivers who have been arrested for fatal crashes are also six times more likely to have driven drunk in the past. They’ve been found to help reduce repeat offenses even after the device has been removed, for up to 40% of the time, and the difference has been keenly noticed among those that haven’t used the device. If these become mandatory equipment in all cars they will be set far below the legal limit, however, to keep drivers as safe as possible.
Just like any equipment, the interlock cup can malfunction and not reach its allotted parameters. There are safeguards also put in place to keep drivers from reaching into temptation. Most ignition interlock devices will prompt a driver to perform a rolling retest five to 15 minutes after the vehicle is started, as well as randomly throughout the trip, to double-check. When a certain amount of alcohol is detected ignition interlocks will prohibit the engine from starting and will remain locked for an extended period. This level of alcohol can even be as low as 0.02 BAC.
The interlock cup is one of our best lines of defense against rates of drunk driving that only get higher and higher by the day. It functions by detecting traces of alcohol in the breath and preventing the vehicle from moving, potentially saving lives in the process. It also makes sure the amount of alcohol in a driver’s system is very low to begin with. When properly installed and maintained interlocks are associated with a 70% reduction in arrest rates for impaired driving, which can potentially rise even higher as technology continues to improve. You can also invest in a discreet breathalyzer for study purposes.
Data doesn’t lie. The interlock cup is proven to make American roads safer, time and time again.
