Driving while intoxicated is one of the most controversial issues plaguing the roads. Very often those receiving DUI’s are repeat offenders. Even when not arrested for driving drunk, they are much more likely to do so regularly. The standard procedure for authority figures in these situations is to use a car breathalyzer to determine the blood alcohol content of the driver.
Breathalyzers work by measuring the amount of ethanol present in someone’s system. Often the legal limit for receiving a DUI is a blood alcohol content of 0.08. However in many states, conviction can be served for even less. Unfortunately, repeat offenders who are involved with fatal car crashes with enough ethanol in their system to reach a BAC over the legal limit, were up to 6 times more likely to have already received a DUI than any drivers with no alcohol present in their systems.
Because of these worrisome relapses in DUI offenders, law enforcement has opted to install systems of ignition interlock breathalyzers. The purpose of these devices is to ensure that a car’s engine will not start without first taking a BAC reading from the driver. If ethanol is present in their system and above the set limit, usually around 0.02 BAC, the car breathalyzer will prevent ignition of the engine.
Because many ignition interlock devices require drivers to continuously test blood alcohol levels even while driving, many repeat offenders are hesitant to drive due to the shameful feeling of others watching them being forced to test themselves. In an attempt to ensure these car breathalyzers are utilized, ignition interlock companies have begun to offer discreet breathalyzers for use while driving. Some hidden in devices such as cups or mugs, allow drivers to check their blood alcohol content without feeling shame from others.
Driving while intoxicated is extremely dangerous and in the time to come will probably make breathalyzers a much more common practice.There are numerous companies taking initiative to prevent more accidents involving drunk driving. With the success of interlock breathalyzers, everyone should be able to feel a little safer on the roads.
