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Legislative Update

March 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Ignition Interlock LawUS Highway Bill

The US Senate just passed the Highway Bill removing the driving restrictions for repeat offenders AND providing incentive grant funding for states that require an IID for everyone convicted of DUI. The House is expected to be more contentious, but today’s vote is a huge step forward!

Virginia Senate Passes Ignition Interlock DUI Bill

The Virginia Senate has passed legislation requiring an ignition interlock for every first-time drunken driver, no matter how high the offender’s blood alcohol content registered.

Current law mandates the device only for repeat offenders or anyone registering a .15 blood alcohol level or higher. Drivers have to blow into the device, and if any alcohol is detected the car won’t start.

Democratic Sen. Don McEachin of Henrico County sponsored the bill. He said installation of the interlock device is a good way to prevent drunken drivers from committing a second offense. Opponents argued that poor people would have a tough time coming up with several hundred dollars to pay to use the device for a minimum of six months.

 

Filed Under: DUI Laws Tagged With: , , , , ,

LifeSafer® Appoints Craig Armstrong as New President / CEO

March 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

March 6, 2012

Craig Armstrong LifeSafer President and CEOCincinnati, OH – LifeSafer Holding, Inc.’s Board of Directors announced this week that they unanimously appointed Craig Armstrong as the first President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined LifeSafer organization.

Mr. Armstrong joined the company as Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2010, following the successful merger of National Interlock, Inc., Affordable Ignition Interlock, and LifeSafer Interlock Inc., in partnership with private equity firm Lineage Capital. Before joining LifeSafer, Craig held senior management positions for global leaders such as Motorola, Polaroid and LoJack.

“Craig is the right person to lead the company and carry on the LifeSafer tradition of leadership in the Ignition Interlock Industry, partnering with highway safety groups and state and federal agencies to protect America’s families from drunk drivers,” according to LifeSafer’s founder and twenty-six year industry veteran, Richard Freund.

“With Craig’s vision and proven success in implementing the company’s business plan, in coordination with the Board and professional investment managers from Lineage Capital, the company is poised to increase our leadership position in the industry providing proven ignition interlock technologies that protect the public on our roadways,” added National Interlock founder, Michael Balgord.

“I’m very excited about the future at LifeSafer. The company has a strong 20-year history as an innovator in the ignition interlock industry and continues to lead with new products utilizing camera, GPS tracking, and real-time reporting technologies. Our recently introduced Home Alcohol Monitoring Unit seems to fill a significant niche, and judging from the initial response, should create an exciting avenue to continue the growth strategy of the LifeSafer brand. We have an exceptional team working literally around the clock to achieve LifeSafer’s deeply held mission to make communities safer from impaired drivers. We help save lives and change lives every day and I’m grateful for this outstanding opportunity,” says Craig Armstrong, President/CEO of LifeSafer, Inc.

About LifeSafer

LifeSafer is the leading US manufacturer and distributor of ignition interlock devices which ensure the sobriety of the driver, usually following the person’s arrest for drinking and driving. LifeSafer ignition Interlock devices and other alcohol monitoring technology systems are leased and serviced through a combined network of 800+ company owned and master distributor service locations in 43 states.

For more information about LifeSafer and its products, please visit www.lifesafer.com.

For more information, contact:

Debbi Markland
LifeSafer, Inc.
dmarkland@lifesafer.com
800.531.0006, ext. 117

Filed Under: Press Release Tagged With: ,

Designated Driver Programs

February 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Designated Driver Programs are KeyLifeSafer is all about creating safer communities, so we want to make sure everyone knows not only about the benefits of our Ignition Interlocks, but about the benefits of other programs working towards the same goal of keeping the roads safer by reducing drinking and driving.

Nine out of 10 Americans who participate in social events where alcohol is available believe that people should use designated drivers. The only requirement is that people plan ahead and either select one person to refrain from drinking alcohol or arrange for a safe ride home. Designating a sober driver in situations when alcohol is present is something that should always be practiced rather than risk a DUI arrest. There are actions and devices in existence to keep people from drinking and driving such as abstinence and Ignition Interlocks, but Designated Driver Programs are a smart alternative.

We all know that the Designated Driver idea typically promotes the concept of designating a sober driver, someone from your circle of friends or family that agrees in advance of the event to remain sober. However, there are community-based services out there for those who don’t normally have access to a sober driver. Some are privately funded while others are run through public-private partnerships.

These companies will actually get both you and your car home safely.  These usually work through either a ’Team Lift’ or a ’Scooter’ method. Team Lift is where two people come to where you are in their vehicle.    One drives you home in your car while the other follows in their car.  They get you home and then both ride off together in their car. The Scooter approach is where a driver arrives on a special scooter that folds up and fits into a nice, compact carrying bag.  He stows the scooter in your trunk and drives you home in your car.  Then he unpacks his scooter and rides off to his next client. Another way designated driver services can work is by membership.  These companies, both commercial and non-profit, serve the general community.

A good place to check to see if a Designated Driver Program is available in your area is http://www.drinkinganddriving.org. They keep a national list of Designated Driver Services.  You should always contact these companies before you need them to make sure you understand how your local service works.

It’s always smart to be aware of all your alternatives to driving under the influence. We regularly see the consequences of the decision to drink and drive.  A little thought in planning your night out could save you the frustration, embarrassment and financial burden of a DUI.  If you plan on drinking, LifeSafer encourages you to plan ahead.  By acting responsibly you help keep your community safer.

(source: www.drinkinganddriving.org)

Filed Under: Drunk Driving, Safer Communities Tagged With: ,

Semiconductor vs Fuel Cell – Know the Facts

February 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

When searching for the right ignition interlock, it’s important to know which technology is best, as a positive reading for alcohol can have serious consequences for the user. Debates have surfaced as to whether Semiconductors or Fuel Cells are best suited for delivering accuracy and consistency in alcohol monitoring. As more testing and analysis is conducted using these two technologies the clear favorite has become Fuel Cell.

The LifeSafer FC100 - FC Stands for Fuel Cell

The LifeSafer FC100 - FC stands for Fuel Cell

Although semiconductors have been around longer, and may be cheaper than fuel cell units, they are also less reliable. Semiconductor units do not only react to the presence of alcohol, but also to other substances like cigarette smoke, perfume, hairspray and breath fresheners. The presence of these substances can trigger a “false positive” reading and unduly lead to a false accusation of alcohol use. These units also don’t have a long life span, rarely lasting longer than one year; and they show a wide variation in readings, especially as the units become older or get more use. Lastly semiconductor units detect only the presence of alcohol but cannot quantitatively measure an accurate BAC level. For these reasons no semiconductor device has ever been approved for evidential use (to stand-up in a court of law) by any State Law Enforcement Agencies or the U.S. Department of Transportation. Although a few states, Washington, Colorado and Oregon for example, still allow semiconductor units to be used, this is generally due to the fact that their use was “grandfathered”. Some states, such as Texas and Wisconsin, have banned the use of semi-conductor interlocks due to their poor and inaccurate performance.

Fuel cell units, on the other hand, are calibrated to provide greater accuracy and consistency in testing, are longer lasting (usually 3-5 years) and are alcohol specific in their monitoring, making them much less susceptible to false readings from the presence of other substances. For this reason virtually every new ignition interlock being placed into service is now fuel cell based, even though they cost more than the older semiconductor technology. Fuel cell units are considered the ‘gold standard’ of alcohol monitoring units, and they are the choice of professional Law Enforcement and concerned individuals who require measurement they can trust. When results really matter, the technology that is relied on is always fuel cell.

Filed Under: Ignition Interlock Device Tagged With: , , , , ,

Virginia Leading The Way – Ignition Interlock Required After First DUI

February 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

LifeSafer Ignition Interlock Law Watch LogoRichmond, VA – The aftermath of a Drunk Driving accident can be devastating and costly. In 2010, drunken drivers claimed the lives of 274 Virginians and injured 5,578. In an effort to deter drunk driving and keep Virginia roads safer, House Bill 279, sponsored by Del. Salvatore R. Iaquinto (R- Va. Beach), will require an ignition interlock for a first-time DUI offense. The House has previously supported the measure but the Senate had rejected it. This year, identical bills are carried by Iaquinto and Democratic Senator Donald McEachin (Senate Bill 378).

The legislation requires someone convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol level of .08 -.15 to keep an ignition interlock device on their vehicle for the sixth months that they have a restricted driver’s license — the penalty for the first offense. The mechanism prevents a car from starting if there is alcohol in the person’s system. Supporters from the insurance industry, AAA and anti-drunken driving groups back these measures stating they will reduce DUI recidivism and save lives.

A first-time DUI offense is not typically the first time someone has driven drunk. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), by the time a typical person is arrested on their first DUI offense, that person has driven drunk 87 times without being caught.

Filed Under: DUI Laws Tagged With: , , , , ,

LifeSafer Ignition Interlocks Help You Drive Safely & Legally!

December 15, 2011 By 3 Comments

We have a new short clip over on the Official LifeSafer YouTube Channel and have linked it here for you!

If you need an Ignition Interlock, LifeSafer is your best choice when it comes to getting back on the road safely and legally. LifeSafer interlock devices have been used by more than 500,000 people and are the most widely used in the U.S. today. Our network of 800+ installation and service locations is a unique organization of locally operated interlock specialists who are dedicated to you, the interlock client. Please call us toll-free at (800) 634-3077 or visit us on the web at www.LifeSafer.com.

Filed Under: Ignition Interlock Device, Interlock Ignition Tagged With: , ,

Ignition Interlock Systems

December 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

What are Ignition Interlock Systems?

Getting a DUI can feel overwhelming.  Receiving a court order to install an ignition interlock system in your vehicle is actually a positive because it allows you to maintain or regain your driving privileges. For most of us, being able to drive is vital to maintaining employment and meeting family and social obligations.  LifeSafer Ignition Interlock Systems allow individuals to drive legally and continue to meet their responsibilities. This benefits the people charged with a DUI or OWI while at the same time helping to keep the roads safe for everyone. Ignition interlock devices are simple to operate and can help prevent future problems with the courts.

An ignition interlock system is a small electrical deviceLifeSafer Ignition Interlock System similar in size to a cell phone. It is designed to measure the breath alcohol of the driver. If the interlock device detects breath alcohol that is higher than the set limit, the vehicle will not start. If the driver’s breath alcohol is below the limit, the vehicle will operate normally During the course of driving, periodic tests will be required of the driver to insure they remain under the limit. This random test prevents a driver from using another person’s breath to start the car, or getting drunk after the car has been started.

Past interlock technology is no match for what is available with modern alcohol specific fuel-cell interlock devices. They won’t affect your capacity to operate your car as you normally would. The devices today are tamper proof and won’t cause an undue drain on your car battery. Ignition interlock systems are becoming the norm in almost every state in the country. Many states have enacted compulsory interlock device laws.

A suspended or revoked driver’s license can be very disruptive to a person’s life and livelihood. Ignition interlock systems allow drivers to live their normal lives, and not disrupt the lives of their friends and family.

An ignition interlock system is a safe and fair system for both the driver and the public.

For more information on LifeSafer Ignition Interlock Systems please visit www.lifesafer.com or call toll-free (800) 634-3077 where our experts are standing by to answer your questions.

Filed Under: Breath Alcohol, Ignition Interlock Device, Ignition Interlock System Tagged With: , , ,

LifeSafer® Celebrates 20 Years of Ignition Interlock Success

December 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

CINCINNATI, OH. In 1991, Richard Freund formed and founded LifeSafer Interlock, Inc. after several years of hard work and perseverance pioneering the Ignition Interlock industry. This new company was founded to help keep the nation’s roads safer from Drunk Drivers by utilizing the LifeSafer Alcohol Monitoring Device known as the SC100 Ignition Interlock. An ignition interlock is a breath analyzer installed into a vehicle to prevent a person from starting the engine after consuming alcohol.

The SC100 was the first ignition interlock device to meet the technical requirements published by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Association). The SC100 soon became the state of the art and most widely installed ignition interlock device in the United States used in the vehicles of Drunk Driving offenders, and LifeSafer became the market leader.

Over the past 20 years, LifeSafer has produced industry leading Interlocks and Home Alcohol Monitoring solutions using their proprietary fuel cell technology and patent-pending Positive ID tracking-tracking camera system. And now LifeSafer offers a wireless device with GPS capabilities, keeping them on the leading edge of a global industry.  LifeSafer Ignition Interlock Celebrates 20 Years

LifeSafer 20 Year Milestones:

1991 – LifeSafer Interlock Inc. was founded by Richard Freund in Cincinnati, OH.

1992 – The SC100 was the first interlock device to meet National Highway Traffic Safety Association standards.

1994 – LifeSafer launches the first electronic information reporting system for ignition interlock programs.

1998 – The FC100 Interlock Device was launched using fuel cell technology and remains the most widely used ignition interlock in the U.S. today.

2005 – LifeSafer developed a patent-pending positive ID interlock device with a target-tracking camera.

2010 – A wireless camera unit with GPS technology and real-time reporting is introduced.

2011 – LifeSafer introduces the Portable and Home Alcohol Monitoring Unit (HMU) with Positive ID target tracking camera

2011 – LifeSafer merges with its two largest distributors, Affordable Ignition Interlock and National Interlock, and now boasts 700+ Service Provider locations having served over 500,000 drunk driving offenders and saving countless lives throughout the U.S.

LifeSafer strives to partner with jurisdictions to pass new and evolving Drunk Driving legislation to help protect the public. As Richard Freund states, “We make our living protecting public safety, saving lives, and rehabilitating some of our customers – getting them back on the right track.” Richard, together with Michael Balgord (National Interlock founder) and Jerry Stanton (Affordable Ignition Interlock founder), continue to lead LifeSafer as the company innovates new anti-DUI alcohol monitoring technology and remains a well-respected leader and player in the Ignition Interlock Industry.

Happy Anniversary, LifeSafer. And thank you for the service and dedication you’ve provided over the past 20 years helping keep our communities safer.

For more information please visit LifeSafer or call toll-free (800) 634-3077.

Filed Under: Drunk Driving, Interlock Ignition, Press Release Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Alcohol Ignition Interlock – How Do Interlock Devices Detect Breath Alcohol?

November 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Alcohol Interlock Devices and Breath Alcohol

A frequent question we receive here at LifeSafer is from curious people wanting to understand how an electronic device like an Ignition Interlock measures your breath alcohol levels. It would seem like a complicated matter but is actually quite simple.

When a person consumes alcohol, that alcohol will show up in the breath because it gets absorbed from various body areas such as the mouth, throat, stomach and even the intestines. These areas then deposit the alcohol into the bloodstream. Alcohol Interlock Device

Alcohol is not digested after absorption, nor is it chemically changed once it enters the bloodstream. As the blood passes through the lungs, some of the alcohol crosses over membranes of the lung’s air sacs and then out into the air.  The concentration of alcohol in the air is therefore directly related to the concentration of the alcohol levels in the blood. As the alcohol from the lungs is exhaled, it can be detected and measured by an Alcohol Interlock Device.

Modern Ignition Interlock Devices like the ones manufactured by LifeSafer use an ethanol type fuel cell as a sensor. A fuel cell sensor is an electrochemical device in which alcohol reacts with a catalytic electrode surface such as platinum to generate an Electric current. This current can then be converted into an alcohol equivalent reading and be measured.

If a person has been drinking alcohol, their measurement of breath alcohol levels may or may not be higher than those allowed by individual state laws. If a person has an Ignition Interlock Device installed in their car, their breath alcohol readings will determine if they can start and properly run their motor vehicle or not.

For more information please visit LifeSafer Ignition Interlock Device or call toll-free (800) 634-3077 where our experts are standing by to answer your questions.

Filed Under: Alcohol Ignition Interlock, Alcohol Interlock Devices, Breath Alcohol, Ignition Interlock Device, Interlock Ignition Tagged With: , , , ,

The Holiday DUI Season

November 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

This week the holiday season kicks off and lasts through the New Year.  The holidays mean more parties and travel as many of us celebrate with friends and family.  Between Thanksgiving and the end of New Year’s weekend is also “DUI Season”, DUI arrests are at a high point for the year.

Thanksgiving Eve, sometimes referred to as  “Black Wednesday”, is unofficially considered the busiest bar night of the year, which means it’s also the biggest night of the year for drunk driving.  Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled holiday period of the year with almost 90% of those traveling doing so by car.  This combined with the busiest bar night of the year is a deadly mix.

Federal traffic safety data shows that the daily death toll from drunk driving during the holiday season is significantly more than the rest of the year.   According to NHTSA between 2001-2005 an average of 36 fatalities occurred per day in the U.S. as a result of crashes involving an alcohol impaired driver.  That number increases to 45 per day during the Christmas period and jumps to 54 per day over New Year’s holiday.

Another report shows that between 1998 and 2008 there was an average of 572 deaths annually on U.S. highways during the Thanksgiving holiday, making it the most deadly four-day holiday period on American roads.  36% of those deaths were alcohol related which is an average of 51 per day.  The numbers are so high due to the increased number of cars on the road and the unusual distances driven to share the holiday with family and friends.   The National Safety Commission blames speeding and tired and/or sleepy drivers, as well as those who have imbibed, for the high number of deaths.

In addition to an increase in sobriety check points, NHTSA will be running its Holiday Season Impaired Driving Prevention “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” from November 27 – December 11, 2011.

Their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign will run from December 16, 2011 – January 2, 2012

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For more information on these programs visit:

http://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/ or http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/index.htm

As you spend time with family and friends this Thanksgiving, please take special care during your travels. 

A copy of the NHTSA statistical analysis, “Fatalities Related to Alcohol-Impaired Driving During the Christmas and New Year’s Day Holiday Periods,” can be viewed here.

Filed Under: Drunk Driving, News Tagged With: , , ,
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