It’s common knowledge that drunk driving is the cause of countless accidents across Maryland, many of which result in serious injury. For the most part, the State of Maryland takes drunk driving offenses very seriously due to the danger it presents to everyone on the road. However, unlike many other states, Maryland does not require that those who have been convicted of a DUI offense install an interlock ignition device on their vehicle as a precondition to driving.
What Is an Interlock Ignition Device?
An Interlock Ignition Device (IID) is a small box affixed to a vehicle’s dashboard that measures the driver’s blood alcohol content and prevents the car from starting if the driver has even a trace amount of alcohol on his or her breath. In vehicles with IIDs, before starting the car the driver must blow into a tube that sends the driver’s breath into a box that measures the driver’s blood alcohol content. If the driver “passes” then the car starts normally. If the driver “fails” then the car will not start and that information is stored on the device for later extraction.
Do IIDs Have Any Affect on DUI Arrests and Accidents?
Most likely, the answer is yes. In fact, some suggest that requiring those drivers convicted of a DUI offense to install a IID on their vehicle decreases repeat DUI offenses by up to 65% because it actually prevents drivers from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. In addition, requiring an IID for DUI offenders does not cost the State anything because the driver is required to install and maintain the device at their own expense.