Small Device Making Big Impact on DWIs There's a weapon against drunk driving in Texas and its small size doesn't reflect the big impact it's having on one of the most deadly problems facing the Lone Star State. Repeat or "hard-core" drunk driving offenders can be ordered by a judge to install an ignition interlock device which uses a breath analyzer to prevent drivers from starting their vehicle if their level of alcohol in their breath exceeds a preset limit. Although only 60,000 such devices are currently installed nationwide, the ignition interlock system has literally prevented millions of starts and countless tragedies that could have ensued had an intoxicated driver been on the roadways. While most ignition interlock devices are installed in the vehicles of convicted DWI offenders, there is an increasing trend of voluntary participants, for example college students whose parents require that the device be installed in their child's car prior to their departure for life on a college campus. How does ignition interlock technology work? An ignition interlock device includes a hand-held breath alcohol analyzer, which is directly connected to the vehicle's ignition system. In order to start a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device, the driver must first blow into the device. If the drivers's breath alcohol exceeds the preset limit, which the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires be 0.030, the vehicle's ignition is disabled. If the reading obtained from the device is below 0.030, ignition is permitted and the vehicle may be started. Once per month, participants in ignition interlock programs must go to their authorized service provider to complete a "download" where information is taken from the device and stored in a database. This information is critical for tracking progress of previous offenders and dealing with probation issues and is provided to the appropriate authorities for review. Anti-tampering Features Ignition interlock devices are not foolproof but they contain a number of features designed to prevent tampering. If a driver successfully passes the first breath test and is allowed to start their vehicle, then the device will randomly retest the driver after ignition. If the driver either refuses the test or if they blow and the device registers a blood alcohol content of higher than 0.030, this "offense" is stored on an internal microchip for later use by monitoring authorities such as probation officers. If an ignition interlock device detects a certain number of offenses before the client's scheduled monthly service, it goes into lock-out mode, requiring the driver to appear for an early service. Failing to appear for the early service will render the vehicle inoperable until the device is reset by the service provider. In order to rule out the possibility of a false positive reading or a reading from smoke or other non-alcohol substances, the ignition interlock device contains a fuel cell sensor, which is specific to alcohol. In addition, the system includes voice-tone and breath temperature features to deter the use of non-human breath samples from being submitted to the device. TSN Supports Innovative DWI Prevention Efforts Ignition interlock devices have a proven track record of preventing drunk driving tragedies in Texas and rest of the nation. The Texas Safety Network supports innovative prevention efforts for drunk driving and other offenses related to irresponsible alcohol use. Click here to learn more about additional alcohol-related efforts across the state on the TSN Web site. Your Opinion Counts! We want your feedback. If you have comments on this newsletter or ideas for a future newsletter, e-mail hcalvert@texassafetynetwork.com If you would like to do your part to ensure that alcohol is delivered and consumed safely in Texas, act now. Forward this email on to your colleagues and friends and ask them to visit http://www.texassafetynetwork.org to sign up for the Network News today! Texas Safety Network, 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 900, Austin, TX 78701 |