How Car Breathalyzers And Ignition Interlocks Are Curbing Drunk Driving In America

Drunk driving is an epidemic still sweeping the United States as we know it. It causes significant property damage, puts people at risk and even negatively impacts economic growth. As such, car breathalyzer prices are being heavily analyzed as to encourage more around-the-clock attention concerning potential drunk drivers — from ignition interlocks to more discreet breathalyzer, a little goes a long way in keeping the general population safe. They function by discouraging repeat offenders, the vast majority of drunk drivers, and keeping other drivers safe on the road through preventative action.

What Is A DUI?

Short for ‘driving under the influence’, a DUI is a conviction given when a driver is arrested for operating a vehicle while drunk or under the influence of debilitating substances — this includes, but is not limited to, alcohol, illegal drugs and over-the-counter products. Many states can have you both arrested and convicted of a DUI with a BAC below 0.08. The annual cost of alcohol-related car crashes has totaled over $60 billion in damages as of recent years.

What Is BAC?

Short for ‘blood alcohol content’, this is a unit of measurement used to determine whether or not a driver meets the standards for a DUI. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher involved in fatal crashes were six times more likely to have prior convictions than those with zero alcohol in their system. Devices such as ignition interlocks and car breathalyzers have been invented to detect problems before they arise.

What Is A Breathalyzer?

More and more people are searching for car breathalyzer prices to better curb the onset of drunk driving behavior. This advanced technology detects the alcohol on a person’s breath and will render the vehicle inoperable if this amount is deemed too high. These are most frequently used on repeat offenders instead of first-time convictions and are associated with some of the most consistent success seen yet — when installed, interlocks have been found to have a 70% reduction rate for impaired driving. As of today there are over 150,000 interlock systems installed and counting.

How Effective Are Interlocks?

It’s not hard to see why people search for car breathalyzer prices and models. If ignition interlocks became mandatory equipment in all cars, they would likely be set below the legal limit of 0.08 BAC to better ensure drunk driving is a thing of the past. The vast majority of ignition interlock devices will prompt the driver to perform rolling retests five to 15 minutes after the vehicle is started. Interlocks reduce repeat offenses, even after the device is removed, by nearly 40%. This has been compared to offenders who have never installed a device.

How Can I Practice Safe Driving?

When an average of 28 people are killed as a result of drunk driving every day in the United States, safe driving habits are an absolute must to keep everyone safe on the open road on a constant basis. While ignition interlocks are a vital component in reducing this trend, little safe habits will go a long way in bolstering security. If you see a friend compromised by alcohol, it’s important to provide with them either a designated driver or a cab to help them get home safely. Likewise, calling for reliable transportation is vital if you feel you’re unable to drive yourself. From good car breathalyzer prices to conscientious habits, drunk driving is a beast that can be tamed with proper effort.