Emile Agenor 11/29/09 Professor Tim Johnson Introduction to Engineering and Technology

Drunk Driving Drunk driving is the single largest cause of motor vehicle deaths in the US. A car breathalyzer is one of the latest technological advances for prevention of DUI offenders.

 According to Automotive Columnist, Eric Peters, GM, Toyota and a few others are working under the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, which is a $10 million federal program trying to develop such technology for mass production  At the moment, the only people who have to deal with (and pay for) in-car Breathalyzers are convicted drunks

 A car breathalyzer, also known as an ignition interlock device, requires drivers to give a breath sample before starting their cars.  If the breathalyzer detects a certain amount of alcohol, the car simply will not start.

In a potential bid to corner the celebrity market, Nissan is developing an in car Breathalyzer. In-Car Breathalyzer

 Courts mandate the installation of a car breathalyzer as a deterrent for those convicted of DUI.  They are permanently installed by professionals often at considerable cost, which is paid by the defendant.

Cedric Benson, of the Chicago Bears, was required to have an ignition lock breathalyzer installed in his car

 By 2012 or so, in-car breath sniffers could be standard equipment in every new vehicle sold  According to USA Today, current breathalyzers cost about $1,000 and the newer systems are expected to cost about the same.

 More states are beginning to require in car breathalyzers for people convicted of multiple DUI or DWIs.  Missouri has recently passed such a mandatory requirement for second offenders.  New York state legislators are considering requiring the devices on all cars and trucks by 2009

 Costs to the Defendant  The cost (plus tax) to the convicted person for an ignition interlock device is:  $12 Interlock fee  $70 for installation  $67.50 for monthly monitoring and calibration  $100 refundable deposit or a $5 monthly insurance charge

The man blows into the breathalyzer device in order to hopefully start his car

 According to Time Magazine, There are already about 150,000 interlock systems now in cars in the U.S., placed there for drivers with multiple DUI convictions.  So far only 11 states require interlocks for anyone with one conviction who is currently driving on a DUI-restricted license.

 Florida, "Ignition Interlock Program". Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. 11/29/09.  Kimmell, Tom. "USA TODAY". Will all autos some day have breathalyzers? 4/25/2006 :  Peters, Eric. "Mandatory In-Car Breathalyzers Coming?". National Motorists Association June 23, 2008 :  R. Szczesny, Joseph. "Coming Soon: A Breathalyzer in Every Car?". Time Wednesday, Jul. 01, 2009:  "What is a Car Breathalyzer?". Alcohol Alert. 11/29/09.