Over the past decade, the number of DUI fatalities has dropped by 31.7%, and it’s due to lawmakers enforcing strict DUI Laws in the State of Iowa. As one of the many states with implied consent laws in effect, individuals suspected of driving under the influence in Iowa must agree to have a blood alcohol, breath, or urine test performed to determine the amount of alcohol or drugs in their system. If the person refuses, the officer may deem them as operating under the influence, and they could lose their license immediately for up to 2 years.

The use of ignition interlocks has also played a big part in the drop of Iowa DUI crashes. First offenders in Iowa who have a blood alcohol level of .10 and over or were involved in a DUI crash are required to install an ignition interlock device as a condition for receiving a temporary driver’s license. If it was a second offense, the individual may apply for a temporary license after 45 days, but they must install an ignition interlock and keep it for one year.  In addition, any individual convicted of a 3^rd offense or who was involved in any level of offense that caused personal injury may re-apply for a temporary license after one year but they must install ignition interlocks on all vehicles to which they have access.

For more information on DUI laws in Iowa, visit http://www.lifesafer.com/iowa/.

The post State Spotlight: Interlock and DUI Laws in the State of Iowa appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Motorcycles may be fun to drive in warm weather, but they are considered to be one of the most at risk vehicles for crashes. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that motorcycle fatalities increased in 2011 to 4,612. Although driving a motorcycle itself can be risky, the combination can be absolutely lethal when you pair impaired driving and operating a motorcycle.

Alcohol is a known sedative, and it can have a profound effect on skills like balance and coordination, both of which are essential to operating a motorcycle. Whether you are one of the many eager to hit the road with your motorcycle this summer or you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle like a car or truck, it’s best to follow these tips and learn to share the road the right way:

• Never drink before driving any type of vehicle.
• If you are a motorcyclist, be as visible as possible and ensure you stay away from driver blind spots.
• Cars and trucks should be aware that smaller vehicles like motorcycles are difficult to see, so be on alert and check your mirrors, look for blind spots when changing lanes, and be watchful for traffic changes when traveling near motorcyclists.

The post May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

First time offenders in Nova Scotia currently have to pay a fine ranging from $600 to $2000, face the removal of the privilege to drive for one year from date of conviction, complete an Addiction assessment program, and may be required to participate in an Ignition Interlock program at their own personal expense.

As of May 1^st, if an offender is convicted of impaired driving with a child in their vehicle, they may lose their license for at least two years and must participate in an Ignition Interlock program for at least one year. Maurice Smith, The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal in Nova Scotia, feels this is a positive step in the right direction as “Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of death and serious injuries in motor vehicle crashes in the province.”

The post Nova Scotia Increases Penalties for Drinking and Driving appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Before the fire was put out, 24 children and 3 adults would be dead. Some of the survivors were badly burned, with 3^rd degree burns covering their bodies and a future that promised a long and painful road to recovery. The driver, Larry Mahoney, had already been arrested for DUI once before, and when tested after the accident had a blood alcohol level of .24 – twice the then Kentucky legal limit of .10.

25 years later, the memory of the accident is still vivid in many minds and has been credited as the motivation for many significant changes in drinking and driving laws and education. Many of the mother’s who had children killed in the accident went on to become important figures in the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). As well, in 1991 Kentucky tightened up their DUI laws and also require all school buses to have 9 emergency exits as well as run on diesel fuel with a cage around the gas tank.

The post 25th Anniversary of One of the Worst Drunk Driving Accidents in the USA appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

The newest version of the ignition interlock bill was designed with the idea that many drunk drivers will continue to drink and drive even after receiving a suspended license.  To stop this from happening, the individual would be required to install an ignition interlock in their vehicle as well as receive a restricted driver’s license. Prior to the most recent amendments to the bill, there were also loopholes that would allow the convicted individual to avoid installing an IID by simply transferring ownership of the vehicle to another person. These loopholes are now closing, as the restricted license received by DUI drivers would state that they are only allowed to drive a vehicle with an IID installed.

Current New Jersey law states that ignition interlocks are required for repeat offenders who have more than one DUI conviction as well as drivers who had a 0.15% blood alcohol level when tested. As well, the individual’s driver’s license is suspended from 2 years to 10 years in order to restrict that person from getting behind the wheel. First time offenders are only subject to a 3 month to 1 year driver’s license suspension and only need to install an ignition interlock if a judge deems it necessary.

The post New Jersey Tightens Ignition Interlock Bill appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

The bill was brought to life due to several accidents in Long Island where bus drivers have allegedly been driving under the influence, the worst of which was a bus that ran directly into a house. If the new bill passes through the House, ignition interlocks would be required in school buses sometime in 2015, and all bus drivers would be required to register their blood alcohol level using the ignition interlock prior to driving.

Although the goal of ignition interlocks in buses is to ensure the safety of all children taking transport to school in New York State, the State School Boards Association feels measures can be taken right now within each school district.  Currently each district has the discretion to order random drug and alcohol tests for all bus drivers employed.

The post State Legislators Propose Ignition Interlocks on School Buses appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

When you think of traffic accidents, you might not think of bicycles as being involved. But the facts are that over 48,000 bicyclists were injured and 677 were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2011 alone. Most bicycle fatalities occur in urban areas that were not major intersections, and alcohol was a factor, either for the driver or the cyclist, in 37% of those fatal cyclist crashes.

Because May is Bicycle Safety Month, there’s never been a better time to increase your knowledge on bicycle safety. You too can be a ‘Roll Model’ and avoid injury during bicycling by following a few simple road rules:

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, because crashes can occur at any time.
• Stay focused when riding your bicycle and keep your eyes out for any obstacles.
• Follow the rules of the road when riding, because when your ride a bicycle you have the same rights as the vehicle next to you.
• Be considerate, and share the road with other cyclists and vehicles.
• Never ride your bicycle after drinking alcohol.

The post May is Bicycle Safety Month appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

When a repeat DUI offender struck and killed her 13-year-old daughter Cari, Candy Lightner experienced what it was like to lose a child to a senseless act. Outraged to discover that the person would be let off with virtually no consequences, she went on to create Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD). This organization now works world wide to improve driving and driving laws and promote initiatives such as ignition interlocks which work to combat DUI.

In 2010, there were 211 children killed in DUI crashes. This Mother’s Day, there’s no better way to honor those children and the mother’s who grieve them than to take a moment to brush up on drinking and driving laws in your area and make the choice to never get behind the wheel under the influence.

The post Remembering Children Killed in DUI Crashes on Mother’s Day appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

The study followed drivers in Washington State who were previously convicted of DUI. Once ignition interlocks were introduced as a strict requirement for all those convicted, including first time offenders who had driven under the influence, the recidivism rate fell by 12%. The researchers believe this number would have been even higher if all of the offenders who were required to install the ignition interlock devices had followed through.

It’s no surprise that ignition interlock devices work for all types of offenders. In fact, other studies have found that when the ignition interlocks were removed from the vehicle completely, recidivism returned to a rate similar to those who were convicted but did not install an IID in the first place. It’s easy to see that ignition interlock devices prevent re-occurrence of drinking and driving, and most likely will keep first time drivers from ever making the mistake of re-offending.

The post Recidivism Rates Reduced by Ignition Interlock Devices appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show a spike in drinking and driving around the Cinco de Mayo holiday. During a four-year period from 2007 to 2011, 38% of motor vehicle fatalities occuring around May 5th involved drinking and driving. In 2011 alone, 35% of traffic fatalities resulted from a driver who had a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher, and nearly 80% of those driving under the influence had nearly twice the legal limit of .15.

This Cinco de Mayo, plan ahead and ensure you have a designated driver behind the wheel. That way, when someone offers you tequila, you’ll be able to accept knowing you have a safe ride home, not to mention you won’t have to worry about the consequences for yourself, and others, of drunk driving.

The post Stay Safe this Cinco de Mayo appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

The new law stipulates that first offenders, even if they only register a .08 blood alcohol level, must install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This changes the law from one where ignition interlocks were only required if your blood alcohol level was 0.15 or higher. Prior to the new law, those who were convicted of a first time DUI offense were fined a minimum of $250, did not have to serve jail time, had to complete an Alcohol Safety Action Program, and had a license suspension of one year.

Current repeat DUI offenders in Virginia are subject to a mandatory license suspension of a minimum of 3 years to an indefinite time period and will face a minimum of 20 days to a maximum of one year in jail. As well, when their license is re-instated, they are required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.

The post State Spotlight: DUI Laws in Virginia Require Ignition Interlock Devices appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

For some, dealing with mental stress means turning to alcohol as a means turning to dull the pain.  The problem is that drinking only adds to a mental illness, and you end up grappling with both your mental health issue and alcoholism or substance abuse. But there is help if you choose to seek it – To raise awareness and reach out to those who need it, Mental Health America has designated May Mental Health Awareness Month.

If you or someone you love is living with and struggling with a mental illness, there’s no reason to feel shame. There are thousands of people sharing your struggles, and you can connect with community resources or one of the many planned activities during Mental Health Awareness Month – All it takes is one step in the right direction.

The post May is Mental Health Awareness Month appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Under the current law, if you’re caught drinking and driving you’ll be fined $250. With the new and improved bill, those who drive under the influence need to pay up to the tune of $500. If the person has a blood alcohol level over 0.16, they’ll be fined up to $750 and may spend 2 days in jail.

When you take it one step further and receive a second DUI charge, you’ll be fined $1500 and are expected to maintain a full year of sober living by being tested daily by the Police or wearing an alcohol monitoring device. As further evidence of how harsh a penalty you’ll receive if you drink and drive in North Dakota, a fourth DUI conviction will see you charged with a Class C felony and you can expect to spend some time in the state penitentiary.

The post North Dakota’s DUI Laws Undergo Strict Revision appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

The bill proposes that these repeat offenders will receive their driver’s license back earlier than mandated four years if they install the IID and comply with the conditions of use. Not only would this allow drinking drivers to get back on the road more quickly than before, it could play a significant role in their rehabilitation by allowing them to make a fresh start.

Such a law won’t come a moment too soon in Maine. Research by MADD shows that there were 21,000 individuals who were 3 time DUI offenders in the state, and approximately 4,000 offenders who were convicted 5 times. If passed, Maine will be joining 17 other states that have passed similar laws.

The post Maine Cracks Down on Repeat Drunk Drivers with New Bill appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

On any given day, you could drive by someone on the road that has had 3 or more DUI convictions, and yet they continue to get easily behind the wheel. That’s why MADD is pushing for every State to require IIDs to be installed in first time offender’s vehicles, preventing them from driving unless they blow into the device.

Some of the States that currently require ignition interlock devices for first time offenders convicted for blowing 0.8 are Alaska, Hawaii, Missouri, New York, Oregon, and Utah. Find out the ignition interlock laws for your state. If you feel that they are not keeping first time offenders from continuing to drink and drive, contact your State legislators.

The post MADD Pushes for Ignition Interlock Devices for First Time DUI Offenders appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Distracted driving is fast becoming a dangerous epidemic on our roadways, and statistics are showing a growing case against texting while driving. It also seems to be hitting the tech savvy age group especially hard, as out of the 5,474 people killed in distracted driving crashes in 2009, 16% of those individuals were under the age of 20.

But distracted driving isn’t just a problem for really young people – Individuals in the 30-39 age group aren’t focusing on the road either, and they were cited as having the highest use of cell phones in fatal distracted driving crashes.

With April 2013 being National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, there’s never been a better time to safely stow your cell phone and save the texting for when you’re parked or out of the car. For more information on Distracted Driving, visit Distraction.gov .

The post Wait to Text, Save a Life appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

The tragic death of 11-year-old Leandra Rosado in 2009 was the impetus behind Leandra’s Law. As required by Leandra’s Law, those convicted of DUI must install and use an ignition interlock device in any and all vehicles they own and drive within a minimum 6 months of their DWI conviction. The problem was that offenders were transferring the ownership of their vehicles to other people to avoid installing the IID. In fact, the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services stated that more than 70% of DWI offenders did not comply with the ignition interlock requirement.

By passing Bill S.1941, those convicted of DWI will be required to install ignition interlocks in any car they own or the car they drove when arrested for driving under the influence, and they will not be able to drive anywhere without one. If they don’t own a car, they’ll be required to wear an alcohol-monitoring device to detect alcohol consumed. As well, if they don’t fulfill either the ignition interlock or alcohol monitoring device requirement, they’ll be prevented from receiving a driver’s license.

The post New York Senate Tightens Loopholes in Leandra’s Law appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

But there are a lot of advantages to being the designated driver. Take these for example:

• You won’t wake up with a hangover the next day – It’s a great feeling when you can enjoy a night out and not wake up feeling awful in the morning.
• You are the reason your friends got home safe and sound – Even if you feel like you didn’t have a chance to cut loose that night, knowing that your friends got home safely is reward for good behavior.
• You’ll be entertained by the way your friends are acting – It can be really fun to be the sober person and watch the antics of your friends.
• You’ll stay alive and out of jail – According to the CDC, there is one death from drinking and driving every 48 minutes. When you’re the designated driver, you could save your life, your friend’s lives, and the lives of innocent victims. Plus, if you made it through an accident, you’d definitely end up in jail for DUI.

Taking a turn at being the designated driver is not only responsible, it can be life saving. The next time it’s your turn to be the designated driver, think about all the advantages of being a designated driver and enjoy a safe night out.

The post The Advantages of Being the Designated Driver appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Unfortunately, many of these veterans end up in the hands of the criminal justice system, and that’s where Veterans Treatment Court comes in. Although a veteran is required to make regular court appearances and stick to a treatment plan just like regular court, the environment of Veterans Treatment Court is one of understanding and camaraderie specifically for those who have served their country.

Judges from Veterans Treatment Court understand the unique challenges veterans face and have their best interests in mind. As well, Veterans Treatment Court can provide the veterans with programs, substance abuse treatment plans, and other benefits unique to individuals in the service, all in one place. Hopefully, with assistance specifically tailored toward them, veterans will receive the assistance so desperately needed to combat substance abuse issues.

The post A helping hand for Veterans suffering from Substance Abuse appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

You might think skipping the seat belt or your putting your child in the car without a car seat or booster is OK occasionally, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) it only takes forgetting one time to bring about some serious consequences.  The fact of the matter is, seat belts and child safety seats save over 13,000 lives every year, and it’s your responsibility to protect everyone in your vehicle.

It’s easy to keep your focus on occupant protection when you know the facts. Be in the know by taking a look at NHTSA’s 4 steps for kids to protect your children, and learn more about occupant protection and airbags by checking out the Safercar.gov guide to Air Bags.

The post Occupant Protection is Your Responsibility appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

April is Counseling Awareness Month, and there’s never been a better time to take a good look at exactly how counseling can help you overcome the obstacles in your life. What is counseling exactly? For some, it’s one-on-one therapy, for others its group chats. During your time with a counselor, they’ll give you the tools to take control of your challenges and face them head on without a future of outside intervention.

Although a counselor will not solve your problems for you or tell you exactly what you need to do to figure out your specific situation, they will help you find a solution that will work for you. And remember, you don’t have to be experiencing a mid-life crisis or huge problem to enjoy the benefits of counseling. The best thing you can do during Counseling Awareness Month is to realize that even small problems can benefit from the guidance of a professional.

The post Benefits of Counseling During Counseling Awareness Month appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Although driving at night is more dangerous than getting behind the wheel during the day, there are ways you can stay safe:

1. Don’t look at other headlights – Staring at other vehicle headlights can cause your night vision to be impaired. Keep your eyes averted when facing on-coming traffic.
2. Don’t take your eyes off the road – Distracted driving, which happens when you use your cell phone to talk or text while driving, is particularly lethal at night when visibility is poor. No matter what time of the day or night, avoid distracted driving activities.
3. Always use your headlights – Headlights help increase the visibility of the road in front of you, but they also help other drivers see you when you’re on the road.
4. Wear your seat belt – Seatbelts keep you safe in the event of an accident. Always be sure to buckle up.

It’s easy to be lulled into a false state of security when driving at night, especially if you are one of the only cars on the road in the early morning hours, so be sure to follow these tips for a safe journey no matter where you’re headed.

The post Stay Safe While Driving at Night appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

But there is a way to find out if you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol, and it’s safe, anonymous, and free. Once a year the Screening for Mental Health, Inc holds a National Alcohol Screening Day, and this year it’s on April 11^th, 2013. Simply visit www.HowDoYouScore.org, select your demographic from College, Military, or Members of the Public, and take the 2-minute screening.

Although the screening will not diagnose you specifically, it will assess your symptoms and point you in the direction of further assessment if required. If you are hesitant to take the screening, remember that alcohol doesn’t just hurt you, it has the potential to hurt those you love. A quick 2-minute screening could be the first step you take to a whole new life.

The post It’s National Alcohol Screening Day appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Into every day a little stress must fall, and everyone reacts to stress in different ways. Some people will feel ill, with headaches, stomachaches, and depression. Others might view their stress as an opportunity, and use it as a reason to ramp up their exercise program to ease anxiety.

But there are many people out there who have no idea how to keep their stress at bay, and instead of letting it overwhelm them, they self-medicate by having a few drinks or binge drinking. When you combine alcohol with the fight or flight cellular response created in the body by stress, you have a recipe for disaster. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to deal with stress properly.

In an effort to promote the appropriate methods for decreasing the stress you feel, the Health Resource Network has designated April as Stress Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to sit down and take a hard look at how you deal with your work issues, worry over your family life, and financial issues, then change your reactions for the better. Once you have a handle on your stress, you’ll be able to meet your daily challenges without needing any sort of crutch to lean on.

The post How Well Do You Handle Stress? appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Driving may come as second nature to you, and you may know your daily route like the back of your hand, but you can’t deny that a vehicle has the power to cause injury and death when handled carelessly. Make the choice to practice safe driving by following a few tips Distraction.gov is promoting for April’s Distracted Driving Awareness month:

• Texting – Texting takes up a lot of mental energy that’s better used to focus on the road. Avoid texting while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, and if you need to send something, wait until you are safely pulled over.
• Talking on your cell phone – Having a conversation with someone on the phone requires attention. Wait to make your phone calls until you pull over.
• Grooming – If you’ve ever driven past someone who was brushing their hair or their teeth while driving, you’ll have probably rolled your eyes at their multi-tasking. It’s safer for everyone on the road to keep your hairbrush at home or use it when safely parked.
• Using GPS – With full screen GPS devices on the dash of newer vehicles and smartphones with maps in every hand, it’s easy to get distracted when trying to find your way. Let the voice controls guide you when driving and avoid looking at the screen.

When it comes to distracted driving, the facts speak for themselves. Make sure that you or your loved ones don’t become a statistic and keep your eyes, and your focus, on the road when you’re behind the wheel.

The post Tips to Make the Most of April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

The Hay River and Yellowknife locations were selected for the Alcohol Interlock Ignition Program for a few reasons. Statistics data shows that in 2012, the North West Territories and Yukon have the highest drunk driving rates in Canada. 40 drivers have been charged with impaired driving in Hay River each single year, with 7 individuals already charged in the first 3 months of 2013. Plus, Hay River is located close to other communities and has a large business base, which puts a large amount of people in danger from intoxicated drivers on the road.

If convicted individuals volunteer for the Interlock Ignition Program, they can reduce their driving prohibition and are able to get back to work more quickly than if they choose not to install an IID. Other jurisdictions in Canada have seen a reduction in drunk driving from 50 to 90 per cent with this program, and it’s the hope of the Hay River and Yellowknife communities that they will see a similar drop in impaired driving.

The post Canada Tests New IID Pilot Program appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

The ignition interlock device would be installed to driver’s ignition, requiring them to blow into the IID before they could start the vehicle. If they blew over the legal limit, the car simply would not start. If the driver of the car is going to be behind the wheel for long periods of time, the IID can be set so the driver has to re-blow during his or her time behind the wheel.

Not only would the legislation work to keep drinking driver’s off the road, but it can help those convicted by letting them regain their driver’s license sooner than the normal 90 day suspension. By resuming their daily lives, they can also continue working and paying taxes. Although this type of legislature has passed in 17 other states and there have been positive results, time will tell if it passes in Mississippi. If you are a Mississippi resident and want HB 481 to pass, you can visit the Mississippi chapter of MADD and send out a message of support to your Governor and Senators.

The post Mississippi DUI Bill Could Stop Drunk Drivers Before They Turn the Key appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

That’s why April is Distracted Driving Awareness month with Focus Driven, a group who are advocates for cell-free driving, partnering with Team One to create awareness about distracted driving and bring safety to the road. Given the statistics of cell phone use and traffic safety put together by NHTSA, spreading awareness is vital:

• 5,474 people were killed in 2009 due to distracted driving, with 995 reported fatalities due to distraction caused by a cell phone.
• 448,000 people were injured in 2009, with 24,000 said to involve reports of a cell phone being the tool of distraction during the crash.
• 70% of people who responded to the 2010 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey said they have talked on a cell phone in the car in the last 30 days, even though 2 out of 3 responders state that using cell phones while driving could threaten their safety on the road.

All it takes is a split second of distraction while driving and you could permanently affect your life and the life of someone else by causing injury or death. Take the opportunity this April to focus on the road and be aware of the dangers of distracted driving.

The post April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

That’s why it’s so important to take a moment and reflect on how alcohol and alcoholism have impacted your family, and there’s no better time to do that than during April’s Alcohol Awareness Month. Both the NCADD is promoting Alcohol Awareness Month in the hopes that victims of alcohol-related problems use this opportunity to create awareness within their families, communities, and workplaces.

The main event during Alcohol Awareness Month will be the Alcohol-Free Weekend from April 5-7^th, 2013. All Americans are invited to participate in 3 days where they are completely alcohol-free. If you find you are experiencing discomfort during those days, or you know someone who is, you’re encouraged to contact AA or Al-Anon for support, knowledge, and further assistance for alcoholism and alcohol-related problems.

The post April is Alcohol Awareness Month appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

When it comes to teen drinking, statistics speak for themselves. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 10.4 million young people between the ages of 12 and 20 have experimented with drinking, and young people tend to drink to excess when they do indulge in alcoholic beverages, especially on occasions like Prom. The result of teens binge drinking is an increase in serious injuries and death from alcohol-related car crashes. In fact, over 5000 people under 21 die each year from causes related to under-age drinking, and 190,000 teens end up in the emergency room for injuries relating to alcohol.

Not only does drinking alcohol to excess put your teen at risk for injury or death, but alcohol can also impair their judgment to the point where they make serious errors in judgment like alcohol-fueled violence or sexual assault. This Prom season, protect your child by arming them with knowledge about the perils of underage drinking, and you’ll ensure they will have a safe and memorable Prom.

The post This Prom Season Talk with Teens About the Dangers of Binge Drinking appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Instead of constantly putting those who commit crimes like driving under the influence back in jail, officials across the USA are looking for ways to keep them out of jail altogether. That’s where ignition interlock devices come into play. Placing IIDs in vehicles of individuals convicted of drunk driving can prevent them from re-committing the same crime over and over again.

There are other benefits to placing a car breathalyzer device in the vehicle of someone convicted of DUI. Rather than taking up space and costing taxpayers money by sitting in jail, offenders can stay on the road to being productive members of society by continuing to go to work, supporting their families and paying taxes. As well, those who stay out of jail have more access to community programs and assistance in overcoming what led them to drink and drive in the first place.

Not only do ignition interlock devices work to keep roads safe, they can help avoid the hefty cost of jail overcrowding by keeping offenders out of jail in the first place.

The post Jail Overcrowding May Be Due To Chronic DUI Re-offenders appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

When it comes to keeping drinking drivers off the road, you can’t deny that Ignition Interlock Devices work to keep communities safe. Although you’ll find that the majority of the time IID’s must be installed according to court order, there is a growing number of individuals who are participating in a voluntary ignition interlock installation.

Turns out, the fastest growing segment of individuals installing ignition interlock devices on a volunteer basis are parents of young drivers. Why exactly? For one, insurance companies often offer a discount on insurance rates if there is a voluntary ignition interlock device installed in the car the young person will drive. And two, parents who are assured of the possibility that their children cannot drink and drive have much less stress when handing over the keys.

Employers are also voluntarily installing ignition interlock devices on company vehicles. Not only are they reducing their own corporate insurance rates and saving money, but they are also ensuring company-wide safety by guaranteeing their employees are driving safely and responsibly.

Those who make the choice to participate in the voluntary ignition interlock installation program are putting safety, and that’s a smart choice for everyone on the road today.

The post Voluntary Ignition Interlock Installations Keep Roads Safe appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

The first area of focus is Access to Alcohol. Although they are under the minimum drinking age, statistics show that as much as 31% of teen drivers involved fatal accidents were drinking. NHTSA’s plan is to provide direction to adults in order to better educate parents on the risks of purchasing alcohol for teens. For youth, they’ll distribute tamper-proof licenses and enforce under age drinking laws, as well as giving direction to alcohol vendors and put community programs in place.

Graduated Driver Licensing is the second area of focus for NHTSA, as inexperienced, teen drivers are involved in many more fatal crashes than experienced drivers. Graduated Driver Licensing will address this issue by reducing time behind the wheel for novice drivers.

It’s startling to consider that in the 16-24 age group category, as many as 80% of individuals stated they were not using seat belts on a regular basis. As well, 56% of teens involved in fatal car crashes were not buckled up. As the third step in the approach to teen safety while driving, NHTSA is focusing on improving seat belt use in teens.

With these core strategies in place, it’s hopeful that the road will be a safer place not only for teen drivers, but also for everyone behind the wheel.

The post The NHTSA’s 3-Step Approach to Teen Driving Safety appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Unfortunately, in this case, you’d be wrong. Because Miranda rights serve to inform you of your right to refuse to answer questions when the Officer asks, the law doesn’t require them to be read to you unless you meet the following conditions:

• You are actually placed under arrest by the Officer.
• The Officer is interrogating you, not just asking simple questions.

If you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence and you haven’t been officially arrested or interrogated, anything you say to the Officer can be documented in the police report and used against you in a court of law.

The best course of action for anyone who’s had a few drinks and needs transportation? Use common sense and avoid getting behind the wheel in the first place.

The post Do You Have the Right to Remain Silent When Stopped for DUI? appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

A recent report from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation shows that the number of women who drink and drive is growing by the year. In fact, during the time frame of the research, from 1998 to 2007, there has been a substantial rise of almost 30% in the rates of women being arrested for DUI. Put that together with the fact that there have been fewer males arrested for DUI while more females are arrested, a growing number of female drivers on the road, plus a stronger likelihood of females to participate in binge drinking, and you have the beginning of a real problem.

Although researchers are only beginning to uncover the reason why women are getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, many point to the fact that women are now the focus of alcohol related marketing campaigns where they’re encouraged to go out and have a good time. Yet another reason could be the desire to throw caution to the wind in order to decrease the growing stress and anxiety related with juggling a career and family life. Whatever the cause, all factors point to the need for a nationwide game plan to combat the growing risk of female drunk drivers on the road.

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When you think about it, today’s senior citizens have endured much more in their longer lifetimes than the average middle-aged person, and that includes experiences behind the wheel. Unfortunately not every skill gets better with age and knowledge, and senior citizens definitely have a bad reputation when it comes to driving.

With research by AAA showing data that by the year 2030, 1 in 5 drivers in the United States will be over the age of 65, there’s never been a better time to brush up on the facts relating to dangerous driving by senior citizens. Here are a few reasons why experience behind the wheel doesn’t factor in when you get older:

Vision and Reaction Difficulties

Aging isn’t fun, and often we’re the last people to notice something we take for granted, like perfect vision, is declining. No matter if they have pulled overnighters behind the wheel for years, driving can begin to suffer if a senior has issues with night vision or depth perception. As well, the ability to react to fast paced situations slows down when someone is aging, so those quick reactions when in a tense driving situation aren’t quite as quick now.

Senior Citizens and DUI

Did you know that your body’s ability to metabolize alcoholic beverages declines as you age? Although someone over the age of 65 may have been able to have a few drinks then get behind the wheel without incident 20 years before, they don’t have the same capacity to handle the alcohol in their system now. Alcohol is also known to adversely amplify the effects of medication, resulting in seniors unknowingly getting behind the wheel well over the legal limit.

All it takes is one or two drinks and a senior citizen can be charged with driving under the influence, even though they haven’t done anything differently than they did in the past.

Yes, senior citizens have a wealth of wisdom and knowledge to share with the younger generation. But if you know and love someone who is a senior citizen, be sure to keep an eye on his or her driving habits and make them aware of the limitations of aging while behind the wheel.

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Unfortunately, many people will take the party one step too far. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that there’s an increase in binge drinking around holidays such as St.Patrick’s Day, and with binge drinking comes drinking violations, accidents, and even death. For example:

• An average of 85,000 deaths are connected to binge drinking.
• Approximately 1,400 college student’s will die due to binge drinking on a yearly basis.
• Those who binge drink are 14 times more likely to be charged with DUI.

If you think the worst that can happen after a night of drinking in honor of St.Patrick’s Day is a hangover, think again!  Even one night of binge drinking can harm your liver and cause brain damage. Or, you could be one of the unlucky few that ends up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning.

So yes, it’s great to honor Irish heritage and tip your glass to St.Patrick this March, but for your own sake, be sure to know when to stop.

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Within the Justice system, Drug Courts are proving to be far and way the most effective way to deal with drug-addicted individuals. Once someone is sent to a Drug Court for judicial processing, they are randomly tested for drug use, kept in a treatment program for as long as is required to become clean and sober, and are continually required to appear in Court so they are forced to be accountable for their pathway to sobriety.

Statistics prove that Drug Courts work on a nationwide level. In fact, 75% of the graduates of Drug Court are arrest-free for two years after they have completed their requirements. As well, Drug Courts are six times more likely to hold those with drug problems accountable for their actions because it works to keep them within the treatment system long enough to maintain sobriety on a long term basis. Drug Courts even have success with meth-addiction, and show an 80% increase in treatment graduation over other programs.

For the best chance of success, Drug Courts are an important judicial option to research when struggling to assist a drug-addicted individual.

The post What You Don’t Know About Drug Courts appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Instead of turning over his license for a minimum of 90 days from a driving under the influence charge, Senator Whitehouse’s son was able to plead to the non-criminal offense of impaired driving. With that plea, he will be charged less severely than someone over the age of 21 and has the potential to lose his license for a maximum of 30 days.

To combat this issue, Legislators in the State of Rhode Island are discussing a new bill called H5432/SO560. Designed to change the legal limit from .10 for those under 21 to the same .08 required by those over 21, it’s the hope of Legislators that, if passed, it will not only tighten up DUI laws in the State but also work to improve overall highway safety.

The post Avoiding DUI Loophole in Rhode Island appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

New Mexico law already requires convicted drunk drivers to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle, and when they receive their interlock, they receive a special drivers license from the State. With the new legislation, the special license will indicate that the individual cannot purchase alcohol.

But there are a few problems with the new legislation before it’s even been passed as law. For one, only half of those convicted actually own a vehicle, so not all of those with a DUI on record have an interlock or special drivers license. And two, establishments who sell liquor, such as restaurants, grocery stores, or quick stops, aren’t required by law to ask for ID from individuals purchasing liquor.

Legislature will adjourn in two weeks, and soon New Mexico will know if they will be joining Alaska in restricting alcohol sales to some individuals convicted of drunk driving.

The post No Liquor for Some New Mexico DUI Offenders appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Until everyone realizes the dangers of drinking and driving, Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will be there to bring attention to this growing problem. And you can help too – All you need to do is sign up as an individual or enter a team into a Walk Like MADD event near you. This signature MADD Walk event is hosted in cities ranging from Georgia to Connecticut.

Even if you aren’t anywhere near a Walk Like MADD event, you can still participate by becoming a virtual walker or by donating to MADD. As long as there are drunk drivers, MADD will continue their quest to keep the roads safe for brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, and parents all over the world.

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Brush up on Snowboarding under the influence laws before you hit the slopes

Who hasn’t heard of après ski? Even if you’ve never strapped on a board and touched the snow, you’ll have heard of this mountain tradition to kick back, relax your sore muscles, and enjoy a brew or two. After all, a big part of the Snowboard culture involves drinking.

But if you find yourself tempted to down a few rounds before you hit the slopes, think again. Not only could you be putting yourself in danger, but you could also be in violation of state skiing and snowboarding under the influence laws. Take Colorado for example – If you are caught on snow under the influence, you could be fined up to $1000. Or, if you board in Wyoming, getting caught drunk might even get you sent to jail for up to 20 days.

If you need more reasons to not drink while boarding, consider this – Causing an accident on the ski hill while under the influence of alcohol can result in you being libel for any damage occurred on the mountain. Even worse, you could hurt someone else while drunk and be libel for harming others as well.

That pre-snowboarding drink at lunch might look pretty good before you spend a carefree day on the mountain, but if you board under the influence, it could cost you more than you bargained for.

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Even though it might not feel like it yet, spring is on its way. And along with spring comes Spring Break travel, vacation season, and the need to be prepared for the eventuality of drunk drivers hitting the road.

Although drivers under the influence can be found anywhere, a recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted how drinking and driving is becoming a growing problem in the Latino community. Not only did research show that Latinos are at particular risk of death and injury from alcohol-related crashes, but it also details how Hispanics are less likely to believe that drinking and driving is a safety problem.

The statistics are staggering considering that over 42,000 Hispanics were killed in 2006 from motor vehicle crashes, and of those killed, 42 percent of deaths occurred in alcohol-related incidents. This number continues to grow, and with Spring Break heading our way, it’s never been more important to educate ourselves and our communities about the perils of drinking and driving.

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By far the most difficult part of driving in the winter is encountering icy roads, but hitting a patch of black ice doesn’t have to mean hitting the ditch or another car. Here are a few things to keep in the back of your head while driving on icy roads:

• Be sure to always decrease the speed of your vehicle and leave yourself time to stop in intersections and in traffic. If you allow 1 car space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you in the summer, allow at least 3 car spaces in the winter.
• Don’t use your cruise control on icy roads. Always remain in command of your vehicle.
• Keep in mind that bridges, overpasses, or side roads don’t get sanded or salted as much as heavily used roads, so be extra careful while driving on them.

If you do hit icy conditions, the best way to avoid an accident is to take your foot off the accelerator, steer in the direction you’d like your wheels to go, and pump the brakes gently. Don’t slam on the brakes on icy roads, because you could end up in a spin, or even worse, an accident.

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Take a minute to reflect on your driving during February’s Aggressive Driving Awareness Month

If you’ve ever been cut off in fast moving traffic, you know how your blood can start boiling at the nerve of the other driver. After all, you’re following the speed limit and are driving appropriately, so why should someone else get away with such crazy behavior? Although most people aren’t going to do anything more than shake their fist at the other driver, there are a lot of others who take it one step farther. In fact, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimate that over 6 million crashes in the United States are caused by road rage.

That’s why it’s so important to sit down and reflect on how you handle yourself while out on the open road, and with February being Aggressive Driving Awareness Month, now is a great time to do it. To start, you can get a quick assessment of how aggressive you can be while driving by taking this AAA quiz and measure your hostility on the road.

Even if you aren’t an aggressive driver yourself, you could encounter someone who is at any time. For your own safety, follow these tips while driving to protect both you and your family from road rage:

• If someone is honking their horn or gesturing at you, ignore them and drive on. Don’t make eye contact with the other driver.
• Stay out of the other driver’s way, pulling over somewhere well populated and letting them pass by you.
• If you feel they are being dangerous to everyone on the road, get the tag on the car and call the police to report them when you are somewhere safe.

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Thousands of companies in the United States have millions of fleet vehicles  on our local streets and highways.  The average fleet  employee  drives between 20,000 and 25,000 miles each year.  These drivers can be “professional” drivers, often with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) whose job it is to transport goods or passengers. Other drivers who have off-site work locations spend a good part of their day driving from location to location.  What they do have in common is that many of them are driving under the influence of alcohol; at work, often in company vehicles as well as on personal time in their own vehicle.  Either way, once it happens, the employee’s problems become their employer’s problem, whether they have a company vehicle or not.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data:

• There is one alcohol-related motor vehicle injury on our roads every two minutes!
• Every day 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes.
• 25% of all occupational fatalities are motor-vehicle related.
• Drunk driving costs the United States $132 billion a year.

Companies with fleet vehicles are the ones spending a big chunk of that $132 billion when accidents occur. The following are just a few of the expenses that fall to an employer whose employee gets a DUI-related crash:

• Company vehicle repair/loss
• Loss of employee productivity due to injuries
• Health insurance cost for injuries
• Immeasurable cost of a damaged reputation to a company

Given those startling statistics it’s a no-brainer that companies should have policies to prevent drunk driving. In fact many companies do have policies in place to prevent alcohol consumption at work, as well as drunk driving. However, those policies do not always stop drunk driving.   It is estimated that 16% of all fatal crashes during the work week were drunk driving crashes, and Highway State Patrols across the country continue to note that daytime DUIs are increasing.

The solution for many companies is a reactive one. Once an employee is arrested and/or convicted of impaired driving, he or she is terminated.  Thousands of dollars are then spent each year related to the turnover costs for the terminated employees.  There are also legal and administrative costs for each termination, adding another outrageous expense to companies trying to manage a tight budget in today’s economy. These costs don’t include the often immeasurable expense of a company’s reputation that is often tarnished when a drunk driving accident takes place.

One cost-effective and proactive solution is to install an ignition interlock device into company vehicles. An ignition interlock is a device that measures the alcohol in your breath and allows you to start your vehicle if it is below the set point. The device also requires periodic retests while the vehicle is running. The interlock records a number of items including test results, engine starts and vehicle run times. Any violations, for example failed tests or missed retests, are recorded by the device.  Interlock devices have the ability to record real-time GPS and photo imaging with real time notifications.

The devices could be installed into all company vehicles; or, if the vehicles are not assigned to particular employees, a pre-determined number of devices could be installed on vehicles with different employees driving those vehicles each day.

There are many potential benefits for companies; most obvious is the fact that companies will drastically reduce their costs for alcohol-related accidents and injuries as well as the turnover costs for terminating employees. The second intangible cost is the ability for companies to show their proactive approach to safety to their customers and the public.

While there is no official practice among commercial insurers, check with your company’s insurance provider to see if they would be willing to reduce your premiums for the use of ignition interlock devices in fleet vehicles.

For more information on ignition interlock devices and how they might benefit your organization, visit www.lifesafer.com.

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The orange plates, which would begin with the letters ‘DUI’, would be mandated for five years and cost an extra $100 to the offender.  The plates would be required for anyone convicted of DUI in Montana.

Proponents say the plates serve to help other drivers and law enforcement be aware of a potential high-risk driver on the road. Opponents say the plates do nothing more than humiliate an offender and brand them with a ‘scarlet letter’ and that it is unfair to put the plates on vehicles that are driven by multiple people in a household.  Opponents also say putting the plates on vehicles which are also used for small businesses is excessive since the reputation of the business can be permanently tarnished.

Currently Ohio and Minnesota have special license plate laws and policies in place for those convicted of DUI. Oregon and Iowa in the past had special license plates for DUI offenders, but both programs were discontinued in 1994 and 1995.

If required, do you think the orange license plates would help deter people in Montana from impaired driving?

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There are numerous types of alcohol treatment programs available. Many are court ordered but often times if the person has a particular program in mind that would benefit them, it is certainly worth mentioning to the judge. Listed below are a few types of treatment options available to those who are court-ordered.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)/Support Programs  - One of the most popular court ordered program today, AA members must follow the 12 steps and attend weekly meetings that will help them overcome alcohol. This form of treatment is outpatient and the person does not need to leave their home to receive help. For many this can mean attending up to 7 meetings a week. AA has a self-reported success rate of 5%, although many members do drop out after the first month. For those who stay, AA is considered a lifelong recovery program for alcohol use.

Rehab and Treatment Centers – These inpatient centers are typically 28 to 30 days and the person must stay at the treatment center. All treatment centers offer an individual program but most follow 12 step programs, offering numerous therapy sessions throughout the day. Typically these rehabs will also suggest AA as a follow up program. Some of the programs can be in lock down, hospital-like settings. In some cases, patients will be unable to access the outside world or communicate with family and friends. This is not the case for all rehabs, as each one has their own set of rules.

Holistic Treatment Centers – Many holistic centers use a variety of natural approaches as a way of helping someone overcome alcohol. Types of holistic treatment can vary extremely from yoga, meditation, praying, to cleanses, talk therapy, or clean eating diets.

Non 12 Step Programs – Non 12 step programs, like the St. Jude Program, do not believe in the disease concept of addiction. Rather than use therapy, Non 12 step programs use an approach known as Cognitive Behavior Education that has guests focus on both social and educational course work to help them overcome alcohol.

For those that have been convicted of a DUI and believe they have made a mistake, St. Jude’s program is the perfect alternative solution. To find out more about this solution, visit www.soberforever.net.

Whatever option a person chooses, the key to success is to stick with the program through completion.

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• In 1910, New York was the first state to adopt a law against drinking and driving, with California and other states soon following. These early DUI laws simply prohibited driving while intoxicated, but there was so set definition of what level of intoxication qualified as drunk driving.
• In 1936, after the repeal of prohibition in 1933, Dr. Harger, an Indiana University professor of toxicology and biochemistry, patented the Drunkometer. The device was balloon-like and people breathed into it to determine intoxication. The color of the air, when mixed with a chemical solution, determined the amount of intoxication.
• In 1938, thanks to research by the American Medical Association and the National Safety Council, 0.15 percent became the first commonly-used legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
• In 1953, Robert Borkenstein, a former police captain and university professor, invented the Breathalyzer. This machine used chemical oxidation and photometry to determine alcohol concentration. All a person would have to do is blow into the machine and it would measure the alcohol vapors in their breath. This would show the level of alcohol in their blood.  The Breathalyzer was easier to use and more accurate than the Drunkometer, which made it the perfect test for police officers to use when determining whether someone had too much to drink.
• In 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, or MADD, was founded by Candy Lightner after her 13-year-old daughter was killed on her way home from a school carnival by a drunk driver. The driver had three previous DUI convictions and was out on bail from a hit-and-run arrest two days earlier. When MADD was founded in 1980, more than 21,000 people were killed in drunk driving crashes each year.  Lightner and MADD helped to change the public’s attitudes about drunk driving. The group pushed for tougher legislation for those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. MADD also successfully pushed to have the legal drinking age raised.
• In 1984, The National Minimum Drinking Age Act required states to pass individual legislation raising the drinking age to 21.
• In 1998, as part of TEA-21, a new Federal incentive grant was created to encourage states to adopt a .08 BAC illegal per se level.
• In 2000, Congress adopted .08 BAC as the national illegal limit for impaired driving.
• In 2012, Alabama became the last state in the U.S. to pass and execute an ignition interlock law for those arrested and/or convicted of impaired driving.

What laws do you think are next for impaired driving in the United States?

The post The History of Drunk Driving Laws in the U.S. appeared first on Interlock Talk - The Official LifeSafer Blog.

Sometimes in between the assessment and treatment, offenders are sent to Alcohol Education Classes which cover the dangers of impaired driving to attendees. These mandatory classes are often referred to as DUI School or Drunk Driving School.

Offenders enrolled in mandatory alcohol assessment and treatment can expect to receive services such as an evaluation of drinking behaviors, a determination of the alcohol abuse level, ways to manage alcohol abuse, techniques on how to limit and/or abstain from drinking and/or psychological and physical evaluations.

According to statistics:

• One-third of all DUI arrests are of drivers who have had previous DUIs.
• Studies in Maryland and North Carolina revealed that 70 percent of the offenders assessed had an alcohol and/or drug abuse problem.
• Even those who have had serious injuries from drunk driving are unlikely to change—over half of crash survivors who were drinking drivers said one year after their crash that they had driven impaired at least once.

Mandatory assessment and treatment for DUI offenders address substance abuse problems. A comprehensive program of education, treatment, and some form of follow-up monitoring (e.g., supervised probation) has been shown to decrease repeat offenses by seven to nine percent.

There are mandatory alcohol assessment and treatment laws in 37 states. In addition to Washington D.C., the following states do not currently have mandatory alcohol assessment and treatment laws for all DUI offenders: Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Texas.  Even in states where assessment and treatment are not required, sometimes there are reduced fines, jail times, license suspensions and/or probation for those offenders who voluntarily undergo assessment and/or treatment.

For more information on the alcohol assessment and treatment programs in your state, contact an attorney.

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