Drunk driving is a major threat to society. A survey conducted found that more than 50% of Australians would like a device in their car to prevent them from driving while they’re drunk.
The same survey says that 43% of Australians are oblivious about how many drinks they can have while staying under the alcohol blood limit, and 1 out of 4 fatal crashes occur in the ACT because of alcohol.
However, an interlock device is an excellent tool that can save many lives by simply installing it in a car. The fundamental concept behind an interlocking device is that it prevents a car from starting unless the driver has taken a breath analysis. They’re compact devices of the size of a remote.
How to Use an Ignition Interlock Device
Different devices have different ways of being used. However, all of them follow a common pattern. So let’s look into them.
- Blow-Inhale-Blow: There are ignition interlock devices called Intoxalock devices which require you to blow air into the mouthpiece for a few seconds. You then have to inhale and blow into the mouthpiece again. This method produces the most accurate result.
- Straight Blow: This interlock system requires you to breathe into the mouthpiece with brute force. It is comparatively less accurate than other breathalysers.
- Blow and Hum: Blow and Hum is unreliable compared to the Blow-Inhale-Blow systems. You have to blow and hum into the mouthpiece, which requires you to learn to do it properly. At times, it causes unnecessary car lockouts.
The shape of most breathalysers is the same. An Intoxalock device requires a single button for activation. The best part about Intoxalock devices is that they’re flexible to retests and will not lock your car based on random probability.
How Do Ignition Interlock Devices Work?
Its working is simple. Every interlock device has a mouthpiece which is the inlet to test your breath for alcohol content. The device is programmed to test your breath for breath alcohol content (BrAC), which must be beneath the legal limit.
If your breath alcohol content is below the legal limit, you are free to turn on the ignition and drive.
Sobriety Through Interlock Devices
The function of many breathalysers is that they ask for samples continuously throughout your drive. The interlock system has a simple mechanism. You can provide a breath sample with the click of a button.
Since you’re continuously providing breath samples, it prevents another person from substituting your breath sample for them. So, for instance, if you’re driving on the streets of Australia, these smart devices on noticing your breath alcohol content above the legal limit will signal you to pull over or stop to a safe spot.
Different devices signal the need to pull over differently. For example, some interlock devices will start honking continually for stopping the car. Others will blink the headlights unstoppably. However, you cannot stop the device until the car is turned off.
How Much Does an Interlock Device Cost?
In most countries, an interlock device is leased and not purchased. Therefore, you can expect a monthly price between $60 to $80. Multiple factors contribute to the price of your breathalyser.
- The state requirement for installation
- Additional feature requirements like a camera or GPS
- The time limit you desire to have your car interlocked
An interlock device is a boon to society with the type of assistance it can provide. Of course, the straightforward way is to take a cab or ask a friend to drop you while you’re drunk, but spontaneity in plans and self-reliance often come in the way.
Get an interlock device to ensure maximum safety. Make sure to get yours.
