How to reduce drink driving fatalities in the UK – Breathalzyer Interlocks

Driving under the influence of Alcohol is irresponsible.   Not only are you putting your own life in danger, you are putting other lives at risk too.  There is no other way to put this – IT IS RECKLESS.

BUT – we understand that Alcoholism is a disease.  It can be a fight to remain sober.  Sometimes this fight seems out of ones’ control.  The press report regularly on incidents caused by drink drivers;  we can only presume that for some of these drivers they are battling their addiction.  We understand that none of these drivers intended to cause an accident or hurt anyone – however they may not be able to see the solution.  The problem of repeat drink drivers, especially those subject to addiction, does not seem easy to fix.

This is where the Draeger Interlock device comes in.  We unfortunately are not qualified to help with addiction (but some of our partners can, take a look here for our recommendations) – but fitting an Interlock to your vehicle will make sure that you do not put yourself or anyone else in danger.   This device is there to protect you, protect your loved ones and protect everyone else on the roads.

We often hear of celebrities who have been caught for drink driving.   Fortunately many walk away unscathed, but a fine and a ban won’t always work as a deterrent, and if alcohol dependency is an issue, it can lead to repeat offending.   With an interlock in place the driver cannot start their vehicle unless they provide a clean, alcohol free, breath sample first.   If pressure was put on the Courts to demand an Interlock be fitted – maybe with a view to reducing the fine or ban imposed – there would be a legally-enforceable way of reducing the risk of drink-driving fatalities on UK roads.

Unlike the US where if you are given a DUI (driving under the influence), it can be a legal requirement to have an interlock fitted to your vehicle if you want to get your licence back, unfortunately in the UK currently there is no legislation in place regarding the use of interlocks.

In Europe, the use of Interlocks has become common place both in the commercial AND private sector.  In France for example, legislation was passed in 2010 requiring any bus that carries children to be fitted with an Interlock; in Sweden they have been used in commercial goods and passenger vehicles since 1999, and today over 5000 company cars have them fitted as standard.

Unfortunately in the UK we lag behind in terms of legislation.  But more and more, people are recognising the worth of being able to fit the Interlock and relax, safe in knowledge the vehicle cannot be operated under the influence.  Check out some of our customer testimonials here.

Alcohol dependency is a problem.  Protecting yourself with a Draeger Interlock 5000 offers the re-assurance that no matter how drunk you are, how many stupid decisions you have made,  you cannot get behind the wheel and potentially damage someone’s life.

For more details on the Draeger Interlock please see our webpage here.