iTechNote

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation with the backing of car manufacturers such as Volvo and SAAB is set to launch a new campaign against drunk driving by mandating a Ignition Interlock Device on every car.

The device is effective to repeated offenders but expensive to nondrinker. Since July 2004, more than 75,000 Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) were installed in the U.S. because of DUI and DWI convictions.

What exactly does the device offer? Let’s take Guardian Interlock Systems as an example. The company has been in the business since 1985 and the first to introduce the device in California.

The company’s most basic and widely used model, Guardian Interlock 3050, has the following features:

• On-Board Data Logger - A computer that stores 12,000 separate events detailing activity, time, date and BrAC level.
• Memo Minder - A memo reminder that stops your car from starting if you miss the required scheduled appointments.
• Circumvention Alarm - If you try anything funny with the device, the car’s horn is on to disturb everybody until the engine is off.
• Rolling Retest - A device self-test taken prior to the initial breath test. The circumvention alarm will be on if the test fails.
• Bypass Detection - If you bypass the device to start the car, your car is barred from start for a predetermined period.
• Power Interrupt - Prepare to provide documentation of repairs even when changing your car’s battery.
• Violations Reset - If you have violation records on the onboard computer, the device immediately requests for service.
• Emergency Restart - If the vehicle is stalled, you can restart without blowing again within 1 minute.
• Variable Driving Privilege (VDP) - Further restrict your driving privilege.
• Coordinated Breath Pulse Access (CBPA) - Advanced method for identifying a bogus air sample.

The more advanced model such as Guardian AMS2000 features auto calibration and more ways to identify a bogus air sample. It also has a more compact design and is more convenient to use. Other brands include Alco-Lock, Intoxalock 1001A, Drager 35 30920 and Interlock XT, Lifesafer SC-100 and FC-100, Sens-O-Lock 1100 and 1A Smart Start Inc. Model SSI 1000

Guess nobody will ever want such a device installed on the car.