Ignition Interlock Testing Shows Low Levels of Impairment

A newly completed research and demonstration test of intoxication level and alcohol ignition locks has recently shown that drivers are dangerously impaired below the accepted blood alcohol level of .08%.

This demonstration was complete through the partnership of the Washington State Patrol, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, and MADD. The significance of this demonstration is that is was the first ever research conducted involving the use of actual driving by volunteers who consented to being dosed with precise levels of alcohol.

Precise evidence was gathered in a controlled environment to support the belief of State Troopers that roadside experiences show drivers are affected well below .08%. Four volunteers were given their measured drinks and had their blood alcohol level counted, they were then asked to drive a slow speed course that included several instances of turning, reversing, and maintaining a straight course. It was clear by the crushed traffic cones that the drivers had trouble traversing the course.

The volunteers reported that they felt impaired, and would not have driven, at surprisingly low blood alcohol levels. Volunteer drivers stated they felt the effects as low as .04% and had trouble operating the vehicles.

Alcohol Ignition Interlocks were also demonstrated as a means of controlling the ignition of the vehicle above precise blood alcohol levels. At present, convicted DUI offenders are required to have these on their vehicles. The idea presented in this demonstration is that the interlocks should Also demonstrated were alcohol ignition interlocks, devices that some convicted DUI offenders are required to have on their vehicles. The impaired subjects tried to start the cars with the interlocks, but could not do so. Sober troopers then blew in the devices, and the cars started immediately.

MADD National President Chuck Hurley takes the position that people drive drunk because they can. He further believes that the ignition interlocks will be the only thing that stands between impaired drivers and potential victims.

A breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BIID or IID) is a mechanism similar to a breathalyzer that is installed in a vehicle's dashboard. Before the vehicle can be started, the driver must breathe into the device. If the analyzed result is over a programmed blood alcohol concentration, commonly .02% or .04%, the vehicle will not start.

At random times after the engine has been started, the IID will require another breath sample. The purpose of this is to prevent a friend from breathing into the device, enabling the intoxicated person to get behind the wheel and drive away. If the breath sample is not provided, or the sample exceeds the ignition interlock's preset blood alcohol level, the device will log the event, warn the driver and then start up an alarm (e.g., lights flashing, horn honking, etc.) until the ignition is turned off.