If friends don't let friends drive drunk, there now is a car that is a driver's best friend. That friend is a car equipped with a Draeger Ignition Interlock Device. Yes this vehicle is equipped with a breathalyzer linked to the ignition, and it will not start if the driver is intoxicated.
"Interlock devices are up to 90 percent effective in reducing repeat offenses. This really can stop repeat offenders from continuing to drink and drive," says MADD CEO Chuck Hurley.
Now mandatory for repeat offenders in many states including Alaska, ignition interlock device, as they're called, have been installed in over a 100,000 cars. But that number is tiny compared to the 1.4 million drunken driving arrests made in the United States each year. Watch the video fromCBS - Click here
ALASKA RESTRICTIONS DUE TO DRINKING AND DRIVING
In Alaska: The court must order you to drive a vehicle with an ignition interlock device (IID) installed. The DMV is required to place a "C" (ignition interlock device required) restriction on your driver license. The back of the license will state "IID REQUIRED" under the heading "Restrictions." On a limited driver's license, "Ignition Interlock Device Required" is printed in bold letters on the paper license. More Information
Alaska Monitoring & Drug Testing Is a State of Alaska authorized and Department of Corrections certified provider of DRAEGER ignition interlock Devices. DRAEGER Ignition Interlocks are the only units certified world wide. DRAEGER Ignition Interlock devices are a proven deterrent in separating drinking from driving. AKM&DT has locations throughout Alaska. Watch the Draeger Ignition Interlock Training Video, just click on the Play - > arrow button.
Alaska Interlock Legislation
IN BRIEF House Bill 19 was signed into law by Governor Sarah Palin on June 16, 2008. This new law requires the use of an Interlock device for all DWI / DUI convictions effective January 1, 2009. First-time offenders will be required to have an Interlock device installed in each vehicle they operate for the duration of court-ordered probation (a minimum of 1 year), and will be charged a mandatory $1500.00 fine and minimum 72 hours in jail. Repeat offenses have concurrent Interlock terms and fines. 2nd offense requires 2 years of Interlock use and a $3000.00 fine. 3rd offense requires 3 years Interlock use and a $4000.00 fine. House bill 19 also takes into consideration the tampering of an Interlock unit, allowing for harsher fines and jail sentence. This new law also stipulates that a person who loans, rents, or allows a person to drive a vehicle who is required to have an Interlock device, can be punished with a class A misdemeanor and fines. House Bill 19 also allows for persons with long term suspensions under the current law (PRE 12/31/08 convictions) to possibly become eligible for limited driving privileges during the remaining probationary period. Read the text of House Bill 19 here.
What is Ignition Interlock?
An Ignition Interlock device is an in-car alcohol breath screening device that prevents a vehicle from starting if it detects a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over a pre-set limit. In Alaska , this limit is .02. The device is located inside the vehicle, near the driver's seat, and is connected to the engine's ignition system by Professional Automotive service technicians.
In Alaska when and why does a person have an interlock device on their vehicle?
Alaska Legislation effective January 1st, 2009 stipulates a court to require or mandate installation of an ignition interlock device on the vehicles of all DWI/DUI offenders convicted with a BAC limit of .08 or higher, as a condition of bond, term of probation, condition of hardship license and/or a license suspension alternative to impoundment.
How does it work?
Simply put, a person must blow into an in-the-car breath-analyzer (which is approximately the size of a cellular phone) before they can start the vehicle. If the emitted breath sample is analyzed over the authorized limit of >/= .02 the vehicle will not start, leaving the vehicle immobilized.
The DRAEGER INTERLOCK XT is a state of the art Ignition Interlock Device (IID) with an advanced heated electrochemical fuel cell which eliminates false positives. A dual microprocessor system and multiple heaters provide for performance in extreme conditions. It is the only ISO9002 manufacturer on the market and the only IID certified worldwide. Application for this service requires contacting the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles and filling out an application. Once approved through DMV, the applicant presents their letter for an approved limited license to Alaska Monitoring & Drug Testing and the unit is installed on a first-come, first-served basis.
