Driving under the influence, also known as DUIs, is one of the most prevalent problems in North America today. Ignition interlock companies, as a result, use state-of-the-art technology to recognize a potentially impaired driver and make it so they’re unable to drive. It’s estimated 28 people die as a result of drunk driving every day in America, with the vast majority of offenses being easily avoidable with responsibility and preventative measures. Below is a comprehensive list of drunk driving, technology used to discourage dangerous behavior and steps you can take to keep everyone safe on the open road.
What Is A DUI?
DUI is an acronym for ‘driving under the influence’, which refers to when a driver is impaired by either alcohol or drugs and is unable to drive responsibly. Many states can have you arrested for a BAC, or ‘blood alcohol content’, under 0.08%. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher were more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, with the majority also being convicted for a DUI or DWI in the past. Contrary to popular belief, driving under the influence doesn’t always involve the presence of alcohol and can include over-the-counter medication. The annual cost of alcohol-related car crashes has totaled $60 billion as of recent years.
Does A DUI Always Involve Alcohol?
While alcohol is one of the most common offenses involving driving under the influence, a DUI can cover impairment by medication. Some medications, such as anti-allergy pills, have the side-effect of causing drowsiness or impaired motor function, mimicking the sluggishness of alcohol and being a significant cause in car crashes and speeding. Technology has evolved to curb this dangerous behavior, from awareness campaigns to car breathalyzers. Many bars and nightclubs offer readily available and accessible taxi services to better encourage their patrons to get home safely. One of the most successful forms of preventative measures is known as the ignition interlock device.
What Are Preventative Measures?
Ignition interlock companies work night and day to advance various car-related technologies and prevent accidents before they happen. An ignition interlocking device, for example, will prevent the engine from starting and can even prompt you to perform a rolling retest anywhere from five to 15 minutes after the vehicle has started. Sometimes they will invoke this randomly throughout the trip, to better hone in on potential problems. Ignition interlock companies have found their products reducing repeat offenses by nearly 40%, even after the device is removed. They are also responsible for a 70% reduced arrest rate overall. As of recent years there are over 150,000 working ignition interlock systems in America.
How Do I Prevent Drunk Driving?
Drunk driving can be easily prevented. Being responsible and calling for either a designated driver or a taxi will go a long way in keeping you and others safe on the open road. Even the presence of a small amount of alcohol in your system can impair your judgement and slow your reaction time, of which it only takes a mere second for a driving session to turn into a disaster. Those convicted of a DUI, depending on their prior history and the nature of their offense, may be required to pay a fine as well as jail time. Drunk driving attorneys specialize in the field of driving under the influence and should be contacted in light of a related offense. With a little responsibility and care, the need for car breathalyzers and ignition interlock devices can be reduced.
