Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of car crashes in the United States. While some accidents are caused by neglect and others by faulty engineering, driving under the influence is a widespread problem that can only be tempered with awareness and initiative. If you or someone you know has been caught driving drunk, an interlock device can be used to prevent future accidents from happening again. Below are statistics about drunk driving in the United States and recent technology developed to reduce the probabilities of DUIs.
Drunk Driving In The United States
It is estimated that 28 people die every day in America due to drunk driving. While the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) amount needed for a drunk driving conviction varies from state to state, some states such as California and Hawaii will arrest you for a DUI with a BAC below 0.08%. It’s estimated that the cost of alcohol-related crashes exceed over $50 billion every year. Aside from awareness and prevention, there are other steps being taken in order to reduce the risk of impaired driving — the ignition interlock device is a recent invention used to prevent repeat offenses.
What Is An Interlock Device?
An interlock device is installed in your car and used to prevent drunk driving. It is also known as a ‘car breathalyzer’ and, once installed, will gauge how much alcohol is on your breath before you turn the key in the ignition. Interlocks have been found to reduce repeat offenses by almost 40% compared to those that did not use the device and account for around a 70% reduction in impaired driving convictions. Ignition interlocks will prevent a car from starting if the alcohol content on your breath is detected at 0.02. Around 150,000 interlock systems exist in cars as of today for those with repeat DUI offenses. Ignition interlock companies work day and night to keep driving as safe as possible, so do your part and make sure to check yourself or someone you know if they try to take the risk.