Alcohol Abuse Advice

Breathalyzer Breakdown

People with previous drunk driving convictions make up approximately one-third of the drunk driving problems in America. Spite 27 years of public education and law enforcement’s best efforts—people continue to drive drunk. In fact, the most frequent time of day for recording elevated BAC levels is generally at 7:00 a.m.

Most states are getting tougher on those who repeatedly drink and drive. In many states the person is authorized for a restricted license and the hearing officer must order the installation of an ignition interlock device in any vehicle the person intends to drive. The interlock device must be installed for the first year of license restrictions, which means the person cannot drive until after the ignition interlock device has been installed. After the year, they may petition for a hearing to have it removed. During the hearing the offender must present a final report issued by a provider to establish the mandatory minimum length of installation required by law.

According to a great deal of research breath alcohol ignition interlock devices are one of the most effective ways of keeping convicted drunk drivers from continuing to drive drunk. In fact, interlocks have proven to be up to 90 percent effective when installed on a vehicle and have proven to stop individuals from driving drunk during high-risk time periods. When used by the courts or state motor vehicle departments along with monitoring, reporting and support programs, ignition interlock devices provide drunk drivers with an alternative to full license suspension. The use of Ignition Interlock systems is spreading across the country with more than 37 states enacting legislation for integration into the DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) sentencing process.  DUI offenders definitely benefit from Ignition Interlock Devices. It makes their lives and the lives of family members more secure as it allows for individuals who have DUI convictions to drive to work, pick up children and run errands without disruption.