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

SSI 20/20 Press Release

Smart Start Inc. has sent out the following press release on the new SSI 20/20 unit.  The patented technology that uses positive photo identification with ignition interlock.  Truly the future of all ignition interlock devices starts with this product.  Please feel free to contact us at 866-747-8278 for any information on getting an ignition interlock installed in Kansas or Nebraska.  Or us our contact us page for more info. 

Smart Start is the "Smart" choice  for ignition interlock in Kansas and Nebraska.

For additional information, please contact:

Lamar Ball,

Chief Executive Officer

1-800-880-3394, ext. 265

lball@smartstartinc.com

Saving Lives Starts with Who Drives…

Smart Start Launches a Photo-ID Ignition Interlock Device

October 31, 2008, Irving, TX, - Irving based Smart Start, Inc. (SSI) is pleased to announce the successful introduction of its Photo Identification Ignition Interlock device. This patented technology ties photographs of the interlock user to an ignition interlock device. The device identifies who is actually taking the breath test, on each and every test, or attempted test. Since September 1st, Texas Judges have required 250 offenders to install the Photo-ID interlock device as an additional sanction on the SSI 20/20 Interlock device.

“Drunk driving is preventable; we are committed to saving lives and making our roadways safe,” said Lamar Ball, CEO of Smart Start. “Assisting in the prevention of the needless incidence of drunk driving is our mission, and research shows interlocks are a proven tool in reducing DWI recidivism,” stated Ball.

This month, the National Safety Council (NSC) announced its support for the use of these devices to reduce alcohol-impaired driving, which contributed to 12,998 deaths last year nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Representatives of the NSC’s 50,000 member organizations adopted this policy statement recently at their annual meeting: The National Safety Council recognizes that ignition interlocks are proven effective in reducing drunk driving and encourages states to enact legislation to require ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

SSI developed this state-of-the-art tool as a way to show their ongoing commitment to help authorities monitor interlock offenders. In July, five Texas Judges voluntarily installed the device in their personal vehicles. They were interested in the technology, wanted to experience first hand its use, and were concerned about the integrity of the data and information. The consensus from the Judges was that this technology is a major step forward for ignition interlock technology, and it will answer the question: How do I know who took the interlock test?.

“We applaud the leadership of the National Safety Council, Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, the National Highway Safety Administration, The International Association of Chief’s of Police, the Governors Highway Safety Administration, The Century Council and the National Transportation Safety Board for their support of ignition interlocks”?, Ball added.

The device is readily available throughout Texas, and SSI is offering free installation now until January.

About Smart Start, Inc.

Smart Start, Inc. is the only ignition interlock manufacturer offering fully integrated ignition interlock services encompassing manufacturing, installation, service, monitoring and administrative support. Since our inception in 1992, Smart Start has provided interlock service to more than 80,000 customers. Our large, active client base and experience working in over 32 states in the U.S. and Internationally in Sweden and Australia, gives us a unique perspective on operating efficient, effective, service-driven interlock programs.

CBS News Talks Ignition Interlock

CBS News did a piece over the weekend on DUI's and how ignition interlocks are an important piece of separating drinking from driving.  This is a good piece on ignition interlock.  You can see the story and the video at this link here.  Enjoy!  I also have to add that they chose the best ignition interlock device to use as a demo in this piece. 

For ignition interlock needs in Kansas and Nebraska click here.

For ignition interlock needs anywhere else in the nation click here.

Smart Start is the "Smart" choice  for ignition interlock in Kansas and Nebraska.

Ignition Interlocks, not just mandatory anymore.

There are several situations that ignition interlocks are useful tools  After reading this article I think anyone would agree that there are definite situations where voluntary ignition interlocks are useful. 

Smart Start is the "Smart" choice  for ignition interlock in Kansas and Nebraska.

Ignition Interlocks: Changing behavior, not just saving lives.

The best compliment that can be received by an ignition interlock company in my opinion is to be told when a client is having their device removed that we changed their lives.  Sometimes it is from the actual client, sometimes from their husband or wife and others it is a can a popcorn at Christmas from their grandparents.  In an article that was recently published statistics were released.  It showed that when interlocks are placed on first time offenders, they are 60% less likely to re-offend than those who do not have an ignition interlock sanction.  Below I have listed a few of the comments that got my attention.  Click on the link above to see the article in it's entirety. 

"First offenders with "interlock" devices installed on their cars were 60 percent less likely to have a repeat offense than those who did not use the devices, according to findings published in the current issue of Traffic Injury Prevention."

"The average first offender has driven drunk many times before he or she was arrested."

"Interlocks present an opportunity to help change behavior rather than simply punishing or incarcerating the offender," Marques said. "It's not enough to revoke a license -- 75 percent of all people with revoked licenses drive anyway -- but you don't want to sentence an entire family to poverty if they're dependent on that driver getting to and from his or her job. By installing an interlock, the risk that the DWI offender poses is controlled, and interlocks become a public benefit."

1st offense DUI law; very effective.

Here is an article that shows how the state of New Mexico determined their problem.  Then these forward thinkers came up with a solution, read more here.

Ignition Interlock moves to Hawaii

Ignition interlock may breach one of the five remaining states who have not adopted legislation.  This is a nice piece on ignition interlock and as a bonus it is our new unit in the picture and video!  Follow this link here to the whole article. 

Are ignition interlocks working?

Well I whole heartedly believe that they are, but why take my word for it?  New Mexico has released statistics for their state, showing how arrests, fatalities and so on have steadily decreased as the number of installed ignition interlocks has increased.  Get all the numbers at this link.

Ignition Interlock National News....Again

The AP ran a story yesterday that stemmed from the NHTSA meeting.  This article can be found here.  Also if you are in the mood for some more ignition interlock news feel free to cruise over to the CBS evening news page to watch last nights show.  They had a feature on DUI fatalities and how they could be prevented with the use of ignition interlock.  One key points was that there are 1.4 million DUI arrests per year and only 100,000 installed ignition interlocks.  Chuck Hurley, MADD CEO, speaks about ignition interlocks as well.  I will not ruin the rest for you you can find the show by clicking here.

Oprah meets Smart Start Inc.

Recently on a show about victims of drunk driving Oprah and MADD talked a little bit about ignition interlock devices.  They even showed a video of our unit being used!  Maybe we will see other celebrities with our product soon.  (Paris Hilton?)

Underage Drinking, MIP's and MIC's

Lawrence Journal World ran this article, dealing with a recent ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) patrol in Lawrence.  I would imagine that every college town in Kansas boosts these kind of patrols close to the beginning and end of classes.  This article does a great job explaining the process that one may expect to go through on any of these charges in Kansas.  Also a great drinking age debate, if you have the patience to stroll through the comments.  This graph is also provided in the article and shows the growth in these such charges in the past few years.

And then there were two...

Arizona apparently will try to become the second state to require ignition interlock for all DUI offenders.  They will follow the lead of New Mexico, which passed similar legislation last year.  They may be the next but don't expect them to be the last, MADD is working legislation in several other states this year to get 1st time offender bills through.  Maybe Kansas will follow suit in the coming years. 

Toyota to sense alcohol through sweat

Toyota and Nissan are said to be testing ignition interlock devices that would test alcohol through the palms of its drivers.  This style of alcohol testing is known as transdermal alcohol concentration, or testing for alcohol through perspiration.  We are all waiting in anticipation to see how these tests go.  If tests go well their plans are to introduce these devices as OEM equipment on all vehicles, at least in some markets to start.  I will keep an eye on this and update when new information it is available.    

Interlocks proven effective once again!

Once again when the numbers are released the same result has been reached, ignition interlock devices ARE WORKING!  This is no surprise but it is nice to see honest proven results that are from a state agency, not funded by an opponent of the interlock industry.  The Kansas City Star ran an article that showed statistics from Springfield Missouri.  The following is one quote from the article.   

Probation officer Jody Austin said that of more than 300 offenders assigned interlocks in Springfield the last two years, only two have been charged with offending again. “It works,” Austin said. “It’s a very useful tool to show if an offender is sincere and can modify their behavior.”

Think of how many fewer DUI's there would be if the interlock program was embraced uniformly by probation departments nationwide. 

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.