Ignition Interlock Devices for Teens

Ignition interlock devices can stop intoxicated teens from starting and driving their cars

August 03, 2016

DES MOINES, IA - Ignition interlock devices, or car breathalyzers, could be the best kept secret for parents wanting help in the fight against teen drinking and driving. Even if a teen hasn't been arrested or charged with drunk driving, parents and guardians can choose to voluntarily install an ignition interlock device in their high school or college student's vehicle, preventing them from driving when intoxicated.

Intoxalock, one of the largest interlock providers in the country, is one company that stands behind proactive prevention of teen drinking and driving. The organization is currently offering ignition interlock devices for young drivers ages 23 and under at the lowest price possible through Oct. 1, 2016. For less than $1 a day, parents can promote sober driving.

"We know the struggle. Teens and young adults don't always make the best decisions when parents aren't around. Whether it is peer pressure, a search for status or a need for thrills, any of these influencers can lead to impaired driving and eventually tragedy. Ignition interlock devices can help provide peace of mind by preventing teens from starting their vehicle after they have consumed alcohol. They're the only solution that does," said Leslie Gibbs, chief marketing officer for Intoxalock.

While only 1 in 100 parents believe his or her teen binge drinks, the reality is 1 in 6 teens actually do according to statistics provided by MADD. Couple this with the startling fact that teen alcohol use kills approximately 4,700 people each year1 and it quickly becomes evident that more solutions outside of teenage drinking laws are needed to help protect youth.

"The worst call I've ever received was from a parent to cancel an installation appointment because it was too late. Their child had already been driving drunk and was killed behind the wheel," an Intoxalock representative said.

Here's how the ignition interlock devices work: The driver must breathe into a handset that is connected to the vehicle's electrical system. If alcohol is present on the breath, the vehicle won't start. If the teen or young driver passes the test, they will be allowed to start the vehicle and will be re-tested periodically to ensure that no drinking has taken place after a sober start.

"Teen drunk driving is an epidemic and the statistics are scary. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and a large number of those crashes involve alcohol. At Intoxalock, we want to do everything possible to help keep these kids safe," said Gibbs.

To learn more about Intoxalock's Young Driver promotion, visit our voluntary igniion interlock page or call 855-978-0052.

About Intoxalock: Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Intoxalock (http://www.Intoxalock.com) developed its state-of-the-art ignition interlock device (IID) in conjunction with researchers from Iowa State University. Recently celebrating their 23rd anniversary in the alcohol monitoring business, Intoxalock currently services clients that are legally required to install an IID or home alcohol monitoring unit in 41 states across the nation, in addition to voluntary clients in all other states. In the last ten years, the ignition interlock industry has grown three-fold and is expected to continue as drunk driving legislation strengthens.