As the holidays approach so does the drinking while driving season. Many states require convicted offenders of driving while intoxicated to install interlock technology to monitor alcohol levels and prevent cars from starting when the driver is drunk.
Intoxalock, a Des Moines, Iowa company that provides innovative alcohol monitoring technology with its NHTSA approved ignition interlock devices (IIDs), announced record growth with its expansion to over 1,600 installation and service locations nationwide in 2015. Intoxalock now has more U.S. locations than any other ignition interlock provider.
Intoxalock partners with local shops that specialize in automotive electrical repair and aftermarket stereos and accessories. By creating these local partnerships, Intoxalock is able to provide their customers with a convenient and easy installation, many times the next day. Intoxalock users lease the device from Intoxalock, who then schedules their installation at a service center most convenient to the customer.
The key growth areas for the company this year were Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New York and Tennessee. Additionally, Intoxalock was recently approved to expand business into the state of Kentucky as a new IID law requires repeat offenders to install an ignition interlock device with camera technology. Intoxalock is a state certified ignition interlock provider in 40 states, with 24 of those states requiring camera technology that the Intoxalock eLERT and Intoxalock eLERT 24 devices offer. Intoxalock was the first driving safety device of its kind to offer advanced technology that enhances the performance standards of ignition interlocks through GPS and real time reporting for monitoring authorities.
To use the Intoxalock ignition interlock device, a driver pushes a button, submits their breath sample and waits for the LED screen to display passed or failed. If the driver passes, they can start the car and head to their destination. If a driver doesn’t pass, they will be unable to start the car until a passing breath sample is provided. Intoxalock devices are primarily used by people legally required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) because of a drunk-driving violation. However, more individuals and businesses are starting to voluntarily install car breathalyzer devices as a prevention method.
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Intoxalock developed its state-of-the-art ignition interlock device (IID) in conjunction with researchers from Iowa State University. Recently celebrating their 23rd anniversary in the alcohol monitoring business, Intoxalock currently services clients that are legally required to install an IID or home alcohol monitoring unit in 40 states across the nation, in addition to voluntary clients in many other states. In the last ten years, the ignition interlock industry has grown three-fold and is expected to continue as drunk driving legislation strengthens.
Intoxalock ignition interlock leases start as low as $65 per month for court or state mandated Legacy devices. Final pricing depends on your state’s requirements for technology and reporting, and how long you will need the equipment. Voluntary (non-DUI related) leases start at $49.95 per month.
Alcohol interlocks may be required in cars in the future. DADSS Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety is group dedicated to finding widespread ways to stop drunk driving.
A connected car prototype from the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association(APMA) in Canada had an interlock device built into the car.