Smart Start Interlock Devices - Matt Strausz - (866) 747-8278

Truth vs. Myths: Ignition Interlock Devices....Truth Comes Out

Although it may sound a lot like my last post you should definitely read the second part of the BusinessWeek series on the effectiveness of ignition interlock devices.  It does not go into as much detail as I did in regards to accuracy and such, but it does give insight on the motives of the author of the first piece.  It is difficult to sell ice to and Eskimo and in this case it is also very tough to sell any form of punishment to a defense attorney. (Who would have guessed?)  This story was obviously less bias than the last, and who would have guess that there is also interlock support from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States?  I think that there is starting to be enough evidence and public awareness to show the effectiveness of interlocks when properly mandated.  That coupled with the effectiveness that has been shown, "Last year, alcohol-related fatalities in New Mexico dropped by nearly 12% from the previous year." should be the fuel that is needed to power this new movement by MADD.  I think that we would also see positive interlock statistics in California as well but from what I have heard (haven't been able to find proof yet but I will keep looking) was funded or conducted by the American Beverage Institute, wouldn't that explain a lot.  That is not exactly my idea of an independent study.  Enjoy the article and as always feel free to send us your questions or comments.

Truth vs. Myth: Ignition Interlock Devices

Many myths exist about ignition interlock and the entire breath testing industry.  Unfortunately many of these are made based on misinformation.  Surely if you have ever discussed breath testing in any form you have heard one, luckily for us these tend to be false, and just need some clarification.

Phrases from Lawrence Taylor's article published in BusinessWeek were included in a recent Lawrence Journal World article that I posted about.  The LJW claimed that he (Lawrence Taylor) call them (ignition interlock devices), "inaccurate, easily circumvented and, because they require the person to give breath samples while driving, dangerous."  Although as a defense attorney his job is to discredit all breath testing equipment in general he couldn't be further from the truth with this statement.   

1. Inaccurate? 

No.  Our units are calibrated to within .005 on a monthly basis.  These are Fuel Cell, alcohol specific units.  Outdated Sensor Cell technology is to blame for many of the accuracy issues of years past, such as outside contaminants including cigarette smoke and car exhaust.  Smart Start does not even offer a sensor cell (Taguchi cell) unit.  Many states require that all interlock devices are Fuel Cell, alcohol specific, units. 

2. Easily Circumvented?

No.  Our units are equipped with several features which makes circumventing the device next to impossible.  About a year ago a news station out of either New Mexico or Arizona (I will post the link to the story) had a unit from all the major interlock companies installed on their own vehicles and took them to a shop to try to circumvent each device.  As you will see the Smart Start SSI-1000 was not able to be circumvented.  Even by a team that was put together to do just that, prove that interlock devices were easily circumvented.  Smart Start will also release the first positive identification unit early next year. (Smart Start 20/20)  This device will make it possible to easily identify that the correct individual is the one taking the test.

3. Dangerous?

No.  Most states require that ignition interlock give ample time for offenders to complete rolling tests.  In Kansas we allow six minutes for each rolling retest to be completed.  This period of time is designed to allow an individual time to pull over if their safety will be compromised by taking a rolling test.  We urge individuals to do just that.  I do though find it interesting that a safety argument arises when the outcome is guaranteeing that convicted multiple DUI offenders are sober when the join us on the highways. 

I would believe that the REAL safety issue would be not requiring the installation of ignition interlock devices on such offenders. 

Smart Start Kansas in the news!

Late last week Lawrence Journal World came to my office to do an interview.  They were inquiring to what exactly an ignition interlock device was and how they worked.  LJW ran an article in today's paper about the new law implemented by the Kansas state legislature on July 1st.   With the help of the release of MADD's new national agenda, and a few local events, ignition interlock devices are starting to get some exposure on a local and national level.  With the new legislative session starting in just over a month there will surely be more exposure as the new high BAC law is introduced.  I will keep everyone informed.    

Stop the bus

An accident in local Lawrence Kansas involving a party bus headed to the KU vs. KSU football game was involved in an accident.  The Cat Tracker party bus, driven by Brent Simonsson, was headed down Iowa street with passengers on the upper deck.  Two of the passengers struck a bridge as the bus went under killing one and sending the other to the hospital.  The driver was on a restriction to only operating a vehicle with an ignition interlock device installed.  Read more about this fatal local accident here.