Allright, so in college (especially the first year) you're definitely bombarded by a lot of alochol education pamphlets. Most of it's pretty redundant stuff like: What's blood alcohol level/concentration? Can people die from overconsumption of alcohol? Is there really a cure for a hangover? However, there was one thing that I didn't know too much about, and it raised some conflict in my mind whether implementing this thing should be policy.
It's called an ignition interlock system. So here's the deal. In a study, people with multiple DUI offenses were given either the choice of using the ignition interlock system for one year or a restricted license. The ignition interlock system is when you breathe into a breathalizer attached to your car and if there is no alcohol on the driver's reading, he/she can turn the ignition. If there's any trace of alcohol he/she can't. The study found that the IIS reduced recidivism in its drivers far greater than the suspended license. However, when the device was not in the car and the drivers were studied over the next year, their DUI's increased equal to that of the regulated license group. So this means for it to be really effective, it would have to be in the car for life.
This brings up many questions like, doesn't seem a little "big brother" for you not to start your car without passing this test. However, I really don't see it that way. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Anyway, you had to pass a test to get your driver's license to drive a car. Why should this be any different? Anyway, if the person thinks that their civil liberties are being taken away, I say, you should have considered that before you decided to take hundreds of people's lives in your hands when you decide to get in a car under the influence. Of course, this method is not a cure-all because there are many implementation problems such as having a friend breathe into it for you, but it seems like a feasible method to control the issue of drunk driving.
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I reckon it sounds good. I mean even if you need to get somebody to blow into it for you, it still means finding somebody sober who endorses, in a sober state, your will to drive drunk. Although I would have to wonder whether or not you could just use some kind of air pump to fake a test, because where there's a niche in the market, some company will step in to provide such devices.
This is better than what usually happens... they suspend a license he/she contrinues to drive regardless. In a year, he is eligible to get his license back... maybe after 6 or 7 DUI's, or he/she causes a serious accident, she/he'll get prison time. I don't see it widely implemented however. As Tuff pointed out, someone else will create something to fool the system (which is a disgusting thought) or it will be deemed unconstitutional. It would be nice if all people would decide to get on these thing on their own accord... but that ain't going to happen!
It could be made a requirement that all cars have an IIS to pass safety inspections, and if you still manage to get caught for DUI you lose you lisence. Yes, someone would come up with a way around it, but until then I think it's better then risking countless lives. If you can't drink responcibly you shouldn't be allowed to drink or drive, and you definately shouldn't be able to do them together.
To answer your question, no, I have never heard of this before, but I like the idea. Yes, someone will find a way to fool the system. However, the developers can find out how to block that as well.
And I agree, I do not think this infringes upon people's civil liberties. We have liberty, but we do not have the liberty to hurt people or put others in harm's way.
~Piano-Fighter~
I got this blog off of google. I think I can answer some of your questions since I have been in the interlock business for 16 years. I also started the interlock program in Florida and was instrumental in other southern states.
Statistically, it is correct that the device works great while it is on the car. However, in most cases, the device has long term behavioral changing effects. The use of the device daily over a significant period of time works to change drinking and driving habits. This technology has been around for many years. The reason why it has not been used more frequently until now is that Highway Safety groups and other advocates have not lived in reality. The "folks in the know", up to the past couple of years have lived in a "fairy tale" believing that suspending a license was going to prevent a person from driving after drinking. Well, this neanderthal way of thinking is finally being erased from the cognitive perception of the experts. In addressing the situation concerning having someone else blow, the DUI offender that has the device and the restriction on the license has to take random retest while driving. The data is recorded and stored on a chip. If the person attempts to drive under the influence or refuse to take the retest, the device goes into a "early recall" mode. The person is then required to return to the "service center" ( the facility where the device is installed and serviced", the data is downloaded and transferred by real time data to the jurisdiction requiring the device. There is much more to this "program" than just blowing to start your car. I hope this information is helpful. You may e-mail me at terry.igf@mchsi.com to find out more. I am the Project Manager for Interlock Group of Florida.