The Truth about Inferior Ignition Interlock Devices

Often when a product is great, other companies attempt to make cheaper versions of these products for quick consumption or use. Sometimes this can be done with great success and other times the products are complete failures. Such is the case with alcohol monitoring devices, like the ignition interlock devices. Cheap knock-off products are everywhere, but when it comes to the safety of yourself and those who share the road with you; do you want to take a chance on an inferior product and hope that it is as good as the original? The struggle with knock-off products is that they attempt to create the same level of accuracy as the originally created product but often fall short. Unfortunately for the public, some of these inferior products can endanger you and the lives of others. As consumers, when we purchase a product we expect a high degree of quality.

When your digital alarm clock breaks you can simply return it at the store or send it to the manufacturer for a replacement device or for a refund. However, most do not see a need to test the product accuracy, because we expect it to be as reliable as other good products on the market. With an ignition interlock device, you are often left with what a company discloses to you about their product. Smart Start, Inc. rigorously tests all of our products to ensure accurate test readings and validate that all local, state, and federal regulations are met and/or exceeded; unlike some knock-off products that cannot get accurate breath alcohol content (BrAC) readings.

According to L. West (2014), an example of an inferior product, is one that is currently advertised on eBay. This small alcohol monitoring device simply plugs into a smart phone. While seemingly inexpensive, convenient, and reliable, this product was tested by a Police Department and found to be significantly short of performance requirements when compared to two (2) registered and calibrated alcohol monitoring devices.

Authorities have stated that many knock-off alcohol monitoring devices may be nothing more than a cheap novelty item. They advise, that outside of proven and professionally tested products, like Smart Start’s highly praised ignition interlock devices, the public should not trust knock-off merchandise to detect alcohol content. As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

West, L. 2014, July 28). Gadget turns smartphones into personal breathalyzers. News Channel Four. Retrieved from http://kfor.com/2014/07/28/gadget-turns-smartphones-into-personal-breathalyzers/