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New Jersey Tightens Ignition Interlock Bill

May 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment

New Jersey tightens up ignition interlock billLoopholes are tightening and restrictions are ready to come down on first time DUI offenders in New Jersey. Legislation was reintroduced earlier this year to improve and expand upon New Jersey’s driving under the influence laws by requiring ignition interlock installation mandatory for any and all drivers who receive a drunk driving conviction or who disobey the law by refusing a breathalyzer test.

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.

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

Voluntary Ignition Interlock Installations Keep Roads Safe

March 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The LifeSafer Ignition Interlock Device

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.

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LifeSafer President & CEO Craig Armstrong on 21st Century Business

September 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Tune in to see LifeSafer President & CEO, Craig Armstrong, discuss the benefits of ignition interlocks. Also available as a podcast: View in iTunes

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The Real Cost of Drunk Driving

August 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Real Cost of Drunk DrivingA report was recently released which shows that drunk driving costs the United States more than $132 billion each year. This is according to data compiled by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE). You may think that if you don’t drink and drive, these costs don’t affect you. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. The below costs affect all of us.

• Higher insurance rates – While directly passed on to the offender, a significant portion of the costs are often indirectly passed on to the general consumer through incremental premium increases.

• Higher taxes – Even first-time offenders place a significant burden on society through the cost of law enforcement, housing in jails and prison, judicial and administrative costs.

• Medical and property costs – EMS at crash scenes, guardrails and road signs are just a few things that are funded by tax dollars.

• Human cost – Lives are forever altered by drunk driving. According to MADD, “This year, 10,839 people will die in drunk-driving crashes – one every 50 minutes.”

Though not a cure-all, ignition interlock devices can reduce some of these costs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the public saves $3 to 7 dollars for every $1 spent on ignition interlock devices for drunk driving offenders. In addition, ignition interlocks have been shown to reduce recidivism on average by 64%.

Ignition interlocks also allow people to legally drive to work and meet their family and court ordered obligations. Ignition interlock devices keep communities safer by guaranteeing that the driver has not been drinking.

Reduced recidivism and a legal driving status do not solve the problem alone, but together can be a powerful force. Studies have shown that by effectively regulating an offender’s driving through an interlock device, an individual can develop improved behaviors, giving the person an opportunity to understand the long term effects of alcohol consumption. By better understanding these behaviors, he or she can begin to make better choices, often with the support of their family.

Driving is essential to meeting daily commitments and responsibilities. Driving illegally under suspension can have serious or even deadly consequences. An interlock provides discipline when and where it is needed, helping the individual and the public avoid the tragic and life altering consequences of drinking and driving.

For more information on LifeSafer products please visit www.lifesafer.com or call (800) 634-3077

Filed Under: Studies and Analysis Tagged With: , , , ,

LifeSafer moves HQ to Blue Ash, Ohio

August 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

LifeSafer Inc., the largest manufacturer and distributor of ignition interlock devices in the United States, held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony launching its new headquarters in Blue Ash, Ohio.

The company moved from a former car dealership into a 21,000-square-foot space at 4290 Glendale-Milford Road.

LifeSafer employs 300 nationwide, with 70 in Blue Ash, and plans to hire an additional 30 employees for operations and manufacturing positions by the end of the year.

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Doug Larson of LifeSafer Demonstrates an Ignition Interlock Device

June 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Watch as Doug Larson, the State Director of LifeSafer Operations in Virginia, demonstrates the industry leading LifeSafer FC100 series ignition interlock device.

Tighter restrictions on driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol take effect July 1. An ignition interlock device will be required after one DUI conviction. Currently, the requirement for an ignition interlock is imposed after two DUI convictions or when the offender’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) is 0.15 percent or above, even if it’s the driver’s first DUI. A Virginia driver’s BAC must be below 0.08.

An ignition interlock system connects a vehicle’s ignition to an analyzer that measures a driver’s blood alcohol content. It prevents the ignition from starting if a driver’s BAC exceeds 0.02 percent. The interlock system can perform a rolling retest at random intervals during the operation of the vehicle, which triggers the horn and flashing lights if the operator has a BAC that exceeds 0.02 percent or if the driver fails to take the test.

In 2011 in Virginia, 28,162 drivers were convicted of DUI. “When you drive impaired, not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest can be significant,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “To prevent a tragedy from occurring, do not drive after drinking any alcohol, period. With these new restrictions, even one drink could lead to the expense and embarrassment of having an ignition interlock device on your car.”

The Virginia General Assembly passed several other traffic safety laws that take effect July 1. If a driver’s license applicant fails the behind-the-wheel examination administered by DMV, the applicant must wait two days before taking another behind-the-wheel test.

Also, before taking a behind-the-wheel test administered by DMV, an applicant must first hold a learner’s permit for 60 days beginning July 1, instead of the current requirement of 30 days. Before taking the behind-the-wheel exam, applicants must either show documents proving they’ve completed a state-approved driver education class, or certify that they have practiced the driving maneuvers they will be expected to complete during the behind-the-wheel test.

“Learner’s permit holders are encouraged to practice their driving skills with a licensed driver as much as possible during the 60-day period,” Holcomb said. “Driving is a complex task that involves concentration and skill. The more experience someone has, the better driver they are.”

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LifeSafer Holdings Expands Ignition Interlock Portfolio With Acquisition of Monitech, Inc.

June 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

LifeSafer Holdings ExpandsCincinnati – June 20, 2012 – LifeSafer Holdings, Inc., a consortium owned principally by Lineage Capital, LLC and the founders of #1 A LifeSafer, Inc. (LifeSafer), has expanded its portfolio in the ignition interlock industry through the purchase of 100% of the shares of Monitech, Inc. (Monitech), making it a wholly owned subsidiary of LifeSafer Holdings.

Monitech, headquartered in Morrisville, NC, is a top manufacturer and distributor of ignition interlocks and the leading service provider in North Carolina. Ignition interlocks are breath analyzers installed in vehicles to prevent drivers who have consumed alcohol from operating the vehicle. Ignition interlocks have been proven to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with drinking and driving.

“Monitech is a great addition to our portfolio of ignition interlock providers,” said Mark Sullivan of Lineage Capital. “The acquisition of Monitech meets our organizational goals of investing in companies with leading market positions and strong management.”

Monitech joins LifeSafer in the portfolio of LifeSafer Holdings. LifeSafer is the leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of ignition interlocks. Both LifeSafer and Monitech will continue to operate as independent entities.

“We at LifeSafer Holdings are very excited about this transaction. Monitech has an outstanding name in the ignition interlock industry for top quality products and service and we hope to leverage best practices between the two companies where appropriate,” states Craig Armstrong, President and CEO of LifeSafer Holdings.

“We are very excited about the investment from Lineage Capital and LifeSafer Holdings,” said John Stump, President and CEO of Monitech, Inc. “Monitech serves our customers by allowing them to drive safely and responsibly and serves the public by preventing impaired driving. We look forward to continuing our mission and our growth as a leading manufacturer and distributor with the support of our new investors.”

About LifeSafer Holdings

LifeSafer Holdings, formed in 2010, is a consortium owned principally by the founders of LifeSafer and Lineage Capital. LifeSafer Holdings prides itself in investing in companies with excellent management, technology, and a mission of public safety.

About Monitech

Monitech has been the leading manufacturer and service provider of ignition interlocks in North Carolina for 23 years. For more information on Monitech visit www.monitechnc.com.

About LifeSafer

LifeSafer is the leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of ignition interlock devices and other alcohol monitoring technology systems that are leased and serviced through a combined network of 800+ service locations in 43 states. For more information on LifeSafer visit www.lifesafer.com.

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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:

Stella Bavely
LifeSafer, Inc.
sbavely@lifesafer.com
(800) 634-3077, ext. 137

Filed Under: Press Release 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 600,000 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: Technology & Products 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 600,000 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.

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