Drunk driving is one of the worst epidemics plaguing America today, and society is finally taking steps to curb this growing problem. These days, many people who are charged with a DWI are forced to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle, which is essentially a car breathalyzer that confirms the driver hasn’t consumed alcohol before driving.
If you’ve been charged with a DWI and have to get a car breathalyzer, you should find one that will blend into your normal routine, allowing you to forget it’s even there. Getting a DWI does not define you as a person, and obtaining a device that will allow you to move on with your life while avoiding other potential mishaps will go a long way in helping you to build a better future. Here’s a quick overview of car breathalyzers and why it’s so important to find the best one possible for your vehicle:
- Ignition interlock devices. Every single day in the U.S., another 28 people die as a result of drunk driving. To curtail these numbers, court have begun issuing ignition interlock devices for those charged with a DWI/DUI. Ignition interlocks prohibit the engine from starting if an alcohol sensing device registers above a pre-set level, typically around 0.02 blood alcohol content (BAC.) These devices measure your BAC before the vehicle can even be started, helping people to avoided bad decisions while under the influence. There are already about 150,000 interlock systems and counting now in cars in throughout the U.S., placed there for drivers with multiple DWI convictions.
- Go discreet. Now that you know how ignition interlock devices work, you should be on the lookout for car breathalyzers that will protect your privacy. You may find yourself giving rides to coworkers or friends, and blatantly blowing into a breathalyzer can be embarrassing. These days, there are devices shaped as water bottles, and interlock cups enable you to start your vehicle seamlessly without anyone even knowing that you’re blowing into a device.
- Look for reliability. One of the most common complaints of drivers using low-quality car breathalyzers is reliability. You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the highway because your interlock device malfunctioned even though you’re completely sober. Find an interlock brand that promotes high-reliability and guarantees you’ll never be stuck on the side of the road.
By finding a discreet and reliable car breathalyzer, you can continue on with your normal life without making any major changes. Having an ignition interlock device is as easy as blowing into a “water bottle,” and nobody will ever have to know you even have one in your car.