Alcohol Detectors in Cars Standard

[Five-0]

Can't say I'm for making cars more expensive, but anywho, click the link for the ful story.

Alcohol Detectors Could Come Standard | NBC Los Angeles

Alcohol Detectors Could Come Standard With a New Car

A new law under consideration would call for installation of a device that would allow six violations before stalling the car

By VIKKI VARGAS and JULIE BRAYTON

Updated 10:41 AM PST, Fri, Mar 11, 2011 | Print


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It's called "The Roads Safe Act" and opponents claim it's designed to put an alcohol detector in every car, just like an airbag or stereo.
Currently ignition interlock systems are only installed by court order.
Mechanics who work with the Smart Start System say you don't have to be over the legal limit to stall out.
"Normally what they should calibrate it at .03. I believe for most people that's the warning level," said Garrett Benedict, a mechanic.
The device allows six violations, then the car won't start at all.



Experts say it is also set up to make sure drivers don't try to cheat.
"They make you blow into it while you're driving, therefore somebody doesn't blow into it at the bar for you, and then you leave," said Benedict.

[213th]

"They make you blow into it while you're driving, therefore somebody doesn't blow into it at the bar for you, and then you leave," said Benedict.

I think blowing and driving may be pretty dangerous too....

[IMGreat101]

I think blowing and driving may be pretty dangerous too....

[BigDawg]

I think blowing and driving may be pretty dangerous too....

Wouldnt that depend on who is driving and who is...............oh I see what you meant. Never Mind!

[McCrackhd]

I don't know if I'm for that. Seems like an invasion to me. Also, .03? That's really low. I could see .08, but .03 is about half a beer. If you can't drive after half a beer, you need to quit drinking.

[Bob Loblaw]

I'm not completely against a concept like this, but I do think .03 is a bit low for the warning level. I wouldn't have a problem with a device that locks the car out if you blow .05 or higher (here .05-.07 is a DWI; .08+ is a DUI...so statutorily you cannot operate a vehicle when your BAC is higher than .05). Is it a privacy intrusion? I guess...but one that I would not mind putting up with if it means that every other driver on the road has "proven" that he/she is not impaired before driving the same way as I have.

[Cidp24]

Who is going to pay for repairs/maintenace on this component? It's a good idea but it sounds like something that can fail fairly easy leaving you stranded somewhere with a tow/repair bill.

[213th]

I don't know if I'm for that. Seems like an invasion to me. Also, .03? That's really low. I could see .08, but .03 is about half a beer. If you can't drive after half a beer, you need to quit drinking.

Isn't .03 the CDL holder limit? If so, is that coincidence or design? If I remember right, the limit for CDL holders is regardless of what they are driving.

[McCrackhd]

Isn't .03 the CDL holder limit? If so, is that coincidence or design? If I remember right, the limit for CDL holders is regardless of what they are driving.

I think you are right on that. I'd have to look. Never actually had a DUI where they weren't at least .10 or higher, so I didn't have to check up on it. Of course, I hate doing em anyway, so they don't go unless they are just fall down or in a wreck to begin with.

[pgg]

I've had DUI arrests where the guy was .04. Good signs on the FSTs. I don't have a problem with the .03 level. I would even prefer any detectable amount of alcohol. Zero tolerance is how I think it should be enforced.

[Odd]

Using the current devices: let's see the math. With a high risk group - convicted drunk drivers - the extra risk of the driving distraction of being required to blow in a tube is a public good vs the potential. Minor distraction > major impairment. Win.

But then nobody is proposing we send soccer moms veering off into light poles with this extra distraction, as, on top of fighting with their kids and updating Facebook on their phones, it would exceed their driving talent.

Using an automated detection device without user interaction : different discussion. Perhaps we should have that one when the [proposed] tech comes along. Until then it's just story fluffing - like the NBC reporterettes did by interviewing a current interlock installer about how systems for drunks are rated so they could get readers riled about .03.

Nice blow tube story Vicki and Julie, with aid of Sarah from the ABI - I'll look you up when I'm in L.A. I'm entertained by women who are fast and loose (with the factual construction of a news report).

NEXT?