Ignition Interlock Devices Memphis TN

By Mitch Becker

New electronic devices have changed the way we talk about, drive, maintain and repair vehicles. Society today is looking to these electronic devices – such as vehicle ignition interlock devices (IIDs) – to change some of the social aspects of people’s lives, too.

With an increasing number of vehicles being equipped with these devices, it’s best to have a plan in place if one arrives at your shop. One ABRA Auto Body & Glass shop saw four such vehicles in one week, so they’re out there!

Sad Statistics
What is an IID? It’s a device that serves as a practical, reasonably priced way to monitor and prevent repeat drunk driving offenders from getting behind the wheel while under the influence. All 50 states have various programs that use these devices for people convicted of impaired driving.

Last year, drunk drivers killed 11,773 people on U.S. roadways. In 2009, 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving while impaired, with alcohol cited as the main source of impairment. The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) estimates that only 1 percent of all drunk drivers are arrested on U.S. highways and roadways each year – and many are repeat offenders.

Keeping people from getting behind the wheel while under the influence has been a big obstacle for years. Legislators have been looking for ways to reduce or prevent repeat offenders. Monitoring offenders has been the hardest and costliest hurdle for most states.

Optional or Required?
First-time offenders who are stopped and have a high level of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can volunteer to have an interlock device installed or be required to have one installed. In states where it’s optional, many drivers volunteer to participate in order to get their license privileges reinstated more quickly. In states where it’s a requirement, offenders are under contract or court order not to drive any motor vehicle not equipped with an interlock device. The cost of the device and monthly subscription for monitoring is usually the responsibility of the vehicle owner.

One interlock company boasts over 5 million prevented starts of vehicles equipped with their devices. Some 2010 Volvo models offer factory-installed interlock devices called Alcoguard. Other carmakers are working with NHTSA and similar government agencies to provide factory-installed IIDs as an option on future vehicle models.

How They Work
Let’s take a look at how IIDs work. The state DMV contracts and/or certifies companies to install and monitor the devices in vehicles. Many different companies manufacture many different versions of IIDs.

The ignition interlock is primarily a breathalyzer – a handheld device that’s installed into a vehicle’s ignition wires. Before the car can be started, the driver must blow into a tube so a computer can check for any BAC. If alcohol is detected, the ve...