Deadly Interlock
Readers of this blog have reported incidents where the ignition interlock device has led to almost deadly consequences. One incident involved a car that stalled out in the middle of an intersection on a rainy day. The driver was almost hit twice by cars coming from the cross street. He was blowing in the device, trying to get the car started, while his life and that of the passengers in the other vehicles were at risk. He had not been drinking.
Another reader reported almost crashing into a school bus while blowing into the ignition interlock device. These devices require that the driver blow into them to start the car and also blow periodically as the operator is driving the car. It is hard to believe that this is required of repeat DWI offenders when public policy has been going in the direction of not allowing drivers to do anything that is distracting. Recent laws disallow using cell phones for verbal communication, or for sending text messages while driving.
I hope that the various states that require these devices reconsider their positions and consider public safety. The only device that I believe safe and sensible is the technology being developed by Toyota that senses blood alcohol level from sweat passed from the hands to the steering wheel. Let’s hope common sense prevails.
Posted: February 22nd, 2009 under All, Ignition Interlock Devices.
Tags: DWI Conviction, Ignition Interlock Devices, Toyota
Comments
Write a comment
You need to login to post comments!
Comment from DCoffey
Time February 22, 2009 at 11:35 am
This is incredibly false information about how an interlock device works. The devices have a 2 minute safety re-start without the driver having to take a test. This feature is specifically designed for the driver that perhaps does stall in traffic.
Secondly, concerning the rolling re-test. Drivers have at least 6 minutes to take a re-test before the interlock device records any form of violation. If the driver does not feel safe to re-test, they can wait and pull over safely or wait till they are in a safer driving position.
These comments are typical of the urban legends and myths that surround the devices. Many times they come from some of the device users or nay-sayers who are attempting to discredit the program or device in hopes of getting it removed.
My advise to any of your readers is to have an interlock installed on your vehicle and see for yourself how it works. I have one on my car now. It is always a good reminder to me that this technology does what it is meant to do. Seperate drinking from driving, keep our roads safe, keep your clients driving and in their communities. Being licensed and driving is a better option than jail, or unlicensed. Licensed clients are insured clients are drivers not driving drunk. DC