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

SSI 20/20 Press Release

2008-11-01T15:34:36Z

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.

Technorati Tags: Kansas Ignition Interlock, Ignition Interlock, Kansas DUI, Smart Start of Kansas, Smart Start of Nebraska, SSI 20/20

Wichita DUI Crash leads to town hall meeting.

2008-10-10T22:26:13Z

A recent DUI related crash in Wichita Kansas brings concerned citizens together to discuss the future DUI laws in the state of Kansas. After an alleged DUI related crash kills a mother and her daughter near a Wichita school, community members gathered together to discuss some new approaches to DUI legislation that would close loopholes that allow people to continue to drive intoxicated. Increased monitoring at a state level and lifetime requirements to ignition interlock for habitual drunk drivers would be a good start in my opinion.

Many people in this video clip suggest that permanently suspending an offender after a third conviction would help. This would only inject hundreds if not thousands of non- licensed, non-insured drivers onto our streets. The reason we have thousands of driving on suspended cases each year is because people don't quit driving when they lose their license. They still have kids to take to school, jobs to go to, and groceries to get, doctors appointment, treatment, AA and probation meetings to attend. In a state like Kansas with many communities not large enough for public transportation, suspending a license permanently is all but a guarantee that they will be driving, just without a license or insurance.

The statistics that we need are the ones from the Kansas DMV for the years that we have had the ignition interlock laws in place. We need to be able to show the percentage of people that are re-offending with the ignition interlock on their vehicle in Kansas. I do not have these numbers but I will be requesting them. The only safe way to put a habitual violator back on the road is to have an ignition interlock device in place and make the penalty for driving a non-interlock vehicle tremendously steep.

The point I am getting at is that I agree that there are changes that need to be made, but believing that someone is not going to continue driving because you suspend their license or take away their vehicle is just being blind to the facts, and statistics for that matter. If we are going to have these offenders on our streets we at least need a device installed that will make sure that their vehicle will not start if they are drinking.

Technorati Tags: Kansas Ignition Interlock, Kansas DUI Laws, Smart Start of Kansas, Ignition Interlock

Smart Start now Serving NW Kansas and SW Nebraska

2008-06-09T20:35:37Z

Smart Start has open another service facility for installation and service of ignition interlock devices. Our new facility in McCook Nebraska will serve clients from the northwest corner of Kansas and the southwest corner of Nebraska. This facility should shorten the drive normally associated with clients from this area. Clients in Kansas areas such as Goodland, Colby, St. Francis, Bird City, Atwood Oberlin, Norton and other surrounding counties will find a shorter drive to our facility in McCook. Nebraska residents in Bartley, Indianola, Cambridge, Beaver City, Holdrege, Oxford, Trenton Stratton, Culbertson, Curtis and other surrounding towns will also find that our service facility in McCook Nebraska is a close and convenient location for any ignition interlock needs.

VK Electronics in McCook has been a trusted hometown provider for home and car audio and video for decades, now their highly trained technicians will be installing ignition interlocks and providing high quality service for Smart Start customers in the area.

All Kansas and Nebraska locations can be found here. To schedule an installation appointment for this or any of our locations please feel free to contact us by email, or our 24-hour toll free number 1-866-747-8278.

Technorati Tags: Smart Start locations, Smart Start Kansas, Smart Start Nebraska, Ignition Interlock Nebraska, Ignition Interlock Kansas, Ignition Interlock Locations

CBS News Talks Ignition Interlock

2008-05-29T05:23:09Z

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.

Technorati Tags: CBS Evening News, Ignition Interlock, Kansas Ignition Interlock, Nebraska Ignition Interlock, DUI

Ignition Interlocks, not just mandatory anymore.

2008-05-17T05:46:01Z

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.

Technorati Tags: Ignition interlock, Smart Start ignition Interlock, Arizona DUI, Arizona Ignition Interlock

Smart Start upstages the rest...again.

2008-05-17T05:12:52Z

Even though our Smart Start SSI-1000 is one of the best ignition interlock devices on the market still today. Smart Start took the initiative to press on and make the ignition interlock experience even easier and more convenient.

Smart Start now offers its clients TWO fuel cell alcohol specific ignition interlock devices. What does fuel cell alcohol specific mean? I am glad yo asked. Fuel cell specificity means that you don't have to worry about car exhaust fumes, jalapeno's, filling up with gas or cigarette smoke causing you to get a potentially damaging violation. Alcohol specific mean exactly that, only alcohol will cause you to get a violation. Don't settle for less when you are choosing an ignition interlock device.

Smart Start now offers its clients TWO devices that are incredibly fast to use. Our new SSI 20/20 device processes your breath test in mere seconds allowing you to immediately start your vehicle. No more embarrassing waits at the gas station with someone behind you. Make sure you take this into consideration, some devices take over two minutes to analyze your test and allow you to start your vehicle, if you're not intoxicated why should you be punished?

Smart Start of Kansas and Nebraska is dedicated to a customer first attitude. Our superior equipment helps us to provide the best quality service to the people that we serve. If you are in Kansas or Nebraska and need ignition interlock services don't hesitate to contact us. Don't live in Kansas or Nebraska? Just click here and you can find a Smart Start location near you to serve your needs.

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

Technorati Tags: Smart Start of Kansas, Smart Start of Nebraska, SSI 1000, SSI 20/20, Ignition Interlock Devices

New Locations!

2008-04-21T16:28:18Z

Smart Start has opened a new location in Hays, Kansas. Xibit customs has joined our team of statewide service providers. We are pleased to welcome them aboard. Their experienced staff will meet all of you ignition interlock needs. To schedule an appointment in northwest Kansas please call 866-747-8278. You can find Xibit custom on our locations map.

We also have moved to a new location in Olathe Kansas. Country Hill motors can also be found on our locations map.

Pictures of these locations will be coming soon. Remember to mention this article when scheduling an installation to receive a discount.

If you have any questions about your eligibility for an ignition interlock program, installation facilities or our state of the art ignition interlock devices, please feel free to call or Contact Us.

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

Technorati Tags: Smart Start, Kansas Ignition Interlock Locations, Kansas, Ignition Interlock Devices, Nebraska Ignition Interlock

Same great service, just more locations!

2008-03-23T07:54:50Z

Here is a map of our current locations in Kansas and Nebraska. This will update with each new addition to our service network. Please feel free to call us to schedule an installation at any of our facilities. 1-866-747-8278.

View Larger Map

Technorati Tags: Kansas Ignition Interlock Locations, Nebraska Ignition Interlock Locations, Smart Start of Kansas, Smart Start of Nebraska

Smart Start of Nebraska

2008-03-19T22:22:19Z

Recently Smart Start of Kansas has expanded and we now also cover the state of Nebraska. We will be bringing many years of interlock experience to the state. Smart Start of Nebraska has several locations that are open and ready to serve you. The following cities in Nebraska are already established and ready to meet the ignition interlock needs of residents and surrounding communities:

Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Grand Island, Norfolk, and Scottsbluff.

At Smart Start of Nebraska we have very competitive pricing to go along with the latest in ignition interlock technology. You will not find a better, more reliable, smaller, or more technologically advanced ignition interlock device on the market.

At Smart Start of Nebraska you can be confident that our installers have the experience necessary to install our device on your vehicle.

At Smart Start of Nebraska you will also find courteous staff that is always willing and able to assist you. We offer 24 hour toll free calling. Call us anytime day or night. Our clients never stop and neither do we.

At Smart Start of Nebraska you will find convenient locations. You will always have a local shop that you can go to in the event that you need service. We don't have missed appointment fees, special calibration fees, or outdated sensor cell technology. Make sure that you are getting what you pay for and require only fuel cell technology. (Fuel cell technology eliminates false readings due to car exhaust, spicy foods, cigarettes, etc.)

At Smart Start of Nebraska we offer the best in court reporting. Make sure that the company you choose works directly with the court that is requiring you to have the ignition interlock device installed. You want to be sure that you are getting credit for the time you have the device installed.

And more than anything else, you will never be treated as an offender at Smart Start of Nebraska. We provide a service to you, and will always treat each client with respect and confidentiality. We will strive to make your interlock experience a great one.

Smart Start of Nebraska can be reached anytime at our toll-free number 1-866-747-8278.

Ignition Interlocks: Changing behavior, not just saving lives.

2008-02-20T04:24:14Z

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."

Technorati Tags: Ignition interlock, first time offender, Smart Start of Kansas, Smart Start Ignition Interlock

1st offense DUI law; very effective.

2008-02-15T16:35:47Z

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.

Technorati Tags: 1st offense DUI, ignition interlock

Ignition Interlock moves to Hawaii

2008-01-22T00:27:10Z

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.

Technorati Tags: Ignition Interlock

2007 Kansas DUI Law

2007-12-20T07:23:25Z

Recently it seems like almost weekly I get emails and phone calls asking me about the new Kansas legislation. Due to this I felt it was important to make a post that explains a little bit about what has changed. Below you will find a piece of the Enrolled Senate Bill 35 from 2007. Since this is just a piece I'm sure some of you will want to read the entire 21 pages so just follow this link here and you can read till you go cross eyed. I have tried to pull the real meat and potatoes of the bill for you to read. I have highlighted in blue what each section is dealing with.

In the first section test refusals are discussed. This maps out the penalties accessed to anyone refusing to take a test when requested by an officer.
In the second section high BAC tests are discussed. A high BAC test is any test where the BAC is at or above a .15.
In the third section underage drinking and driving penalties are discussed. This is for anyone under the age of 21 that takes the test and fails it. There are separate penalties depending on whether it is above or below .15.

Please feel free to send me any questions or comments that you may have. If I have left anything out that is still wanted I will research it and update this post. Or as always feel free to email me at matt@smartstartkansas.com , Enjoy!

Smart Start of Kansas provides Kansas ignition interlock services all over the state. We will always go out of our way to make sure that you have the best overall ignition interlock experience possible. We are always available by phone at our 24 hour toll free number, 1-866-747-8278, we encourage anyone to give us a call if we help in any way.

__________________________________________________________

Sec. 5. K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 8-1014 is hereby amended to read as follows: 8-1014. (a) Except as provided by subsection (e) and K.S.A. 8-2,142,
and amendments thereto, if a person refuses a test, the division, pursuant
to K.S.A. 8-1002, and amendments thereto, shall:

(1) On the person’s first occurrence, suspend the person’s driving
privileges for one year and at the end of the suspension, restrict the per-
son’s driving privileges for one year to driving only a motor vehicle
equipped with an ignition interlock device;

(2) on the person’s second occurrence, suspend the person’s driving
privileges for two years;

(3) on the person’s third occurrence, suspend the person’s driving
privileges for three years;

(4) on the person’s fourth occurrence, suspend the person’s driving
privileges for 10 years; and

(5) on the person’s fifth or subsequent occurrence, revoke the per-
son’s driving privileges permanently.

(b) (1) Except as provided by subsections (c) and (e) and K.S.A. 8-
2,142, and amendments thereto, if a person fails a test or has an alcohol
or drug-related conviction in this state, the division shall:

(1) (A) On the person’s first occurrence, suspend the person’s driving
privileges for 30 days, then restrict the person’s driving privileges as pro-
vided by K.S.A. 8-1015, and amendments thereto, for an additional 330
days;

(2) (B) on the person’s second, third or fourth occurrence, suspend
the person’s driving privileges for one year and at the end of the suspension for an alcohol-related conviction, restrict the person’s driving privileges for one year to driving only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. Proof of the installation of such device, for the
full year of the restricted period, shall be provided to the division before
the person’s driving privileges are fully reinstated; and

(3) (C) on the person’s fifth or subsequent occurrence, the person’s
driving privileges shall be permanently revoked.

(2) Except as provided by subsection (e) and K.S.A. 8-2,142, and
amendments thereto, if a person fails a test or has an alcohol or drug-
related conviction in this state and the person’s blood or breath alcohol
concentration is .15 or greater, the division shall:

(A) On the person’s first occurrence, suspend the person’s driving
privileges for one year and at the end of the suspension, restrict the per-
son’s driving privileges for one year to driving only a motor vehicle
equipped with an ignition interlock device;

(B) on the person’s second occurrence, suspend the person’s driving
privileges for one year and at the end of the suspension, restrict the per-
son’s driving privileges for two years to driving only a motor vehicle
equipped with an ignition interlock device;

(C) on the person’s third occurrence, suspend the person’s driving
privileges for one year and at the end of the suspension restrict the per-
son’s driving privileges for three years to driving only a motor vehicle
equipped with an ignition interlock device;

(D) on the person’s fourth occurrence, suspend the person’s driving
privileges for one year and at the end of the suspension, restrict the per-
son’s driving privileges for four years to driving only a motor vehicle
equipped with an ignition interlock device; and

(E) on the person’s fifth or subsequent occurrence, the person’s driving privileges shall be permanently revoked.

(3) Whenever a person’s driving privileges have been restricted to
driving only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device,
proof of the installation of such device, for the entire restriction period,
shall be provided to the division before the person’s driving privileges are
fully reinstated.

(c) Except as provided by subsection (e) and K.S.A. 8-2,142, and
amendments thereto, if a person who is less than 21 years of age fails a
test or has an alcohol or drug-related conviction in this state, the division
shall:

(1) On the person’s first occurrence, suspend the person’s driving
privileges for one year. If the person’s blood or breath alcohol concentra-
tion is .15 or greater, the division shall at the end of the suspension, restrict
the person’s driving privileges for one year to driving only a motor vehicle
equipped with an ignition interlock device;

(2) on the person’s second and subsequent occurrences, penalties shall
be imposed pursuant to subsection (b).

Technorati Tags: Kansas Ignition Interlock, Kansas DUI Laws, Smart Start of Kansas, Ignition interlock, Kansas Underage Drinking, Kansas Laws

Are ignition interlocks working?

2007-12-09T08:28:02Z

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.

Technorati Tags: Ignition interlock device, New Mexico Law, Installing ignition interlocks

Sober driving IS more important than cable TV

2007-12-09T08:07:24Z

Senator Lynn Bromley is pushing for a bill in Maine that would put ignition interlock devices on certain DUI offenders. He makes a very important point, in my opinion of course. When discussing the costs associated with installing and maintaining an ignition interlock device that it is equivalent to a drink a day. Also saying that it may force people to make a tough decision between being able to drive to work and having cable television. You can read it all in his words at this link.