In light of the recent Oatlands tragedy that killed four children and seriously injured one, we were hit by a sobering reminder just how much damage drink driving can cause. Needless to say, this was not an isolated incident. Statistics show that Australia is one of the top 10 countries in drink driving deaths - 30% of road traffic deaths per year involve alcohol. In addition, one in four Australians (26%) do not know that the limit is set at 0.05% blood alcohol concentration, while one in five (20%) admit they have driven a vehicle in the past when unsure if they were above this limit.

To solve this problem, the government must take concrete action. Given the distractions that surround us today, there is a danger that we might soon forget about this incident and not see any real action taken by the government to avoid future drink driving accidents.

Stricter laws will help a little, but the laws apply only after an accident has already happened - when innocent lives are already lost. Prosecution of the criminal to the highest may feel fair to victims families, but it will never bring their loved ones back to life. Clearly, we need to do something better than just implement stricter laws. The answer to this is technology, and we already have a device that can help and its called an alcohol ignition interlock device (IID).

What is an Alcohol Interlock?
An alcohol ignition interlock is a breathalyzer device installed into a vehicle and directly connected to the vehicle's engine ignition system. It requires the driver to blow into the mouthpiece for the device before starting the vehicle. If alcohol is detected in the breath sample, the car will be unable to start and the failed result will be logged in the device. Designed for fail-proof alcohol breath testing, an alcohol interlock device is the most effective way to ensure that the driver is suited to go behind the wheel and to continue driving.

How does it work?
An alcohol ignition interlock or car breathalyzer prevents drunk drivers from driving their vehicle. The device is connected to your vehicle, and it has a preset level for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) determined by your state. If you blow into it when you are over the set limit, your vehicle won’t start. In summary,

1. The driver is required to provide breath sample and pass a test before starting the vehicle.
   
2. If a successful test is not provided the car will remain disabled anywhere from 5-30 minutes so that any severe situation is prevented.
3. Random re-tests may be required once the vehicle has started. 
4. These devices are equipped to prevent tampering and circumvention.

Please sign the petition to let the government know that we want to see this technology made mandatory for all cars. It is a matter of life and death, no less.

Photo copyright belongs to TomoNews US