An alcolock is based on technology that prevents a car from
starting if alcohol is found in the air exhaled by the driver.
The alcolock is a technical device that is connected to the
vehicle ignition system. Before starting the car, the driver must
blow into a mouthpiece to check the air exhaled. If this contains
alcohol equal to or more than the legal limit, a BAC of 0.2, it
will not be possible to start the engine. Alcolocks are used today
for quality assurance purposes and are linked to DWI offences.
Alcolock for DWI offenders Anyone suspected of
DWI may apply to participate in an alcohol ignition interlock
programme instead of losing their driving licence. One of the
requirements placed on those taking part is that they must blow
into the device at random intervals during the course of a journey.
Any trace of alcohol found in the exhaled air is registered in the
alcolock memory function.
Alcolock as quality assurance
Companies use alcolocks in their endeavours to quality-assure
their transports. Thanks to the alcolock, companies can guarantee
that the transport drivers they employ are sober behind the
wheel.
Bo Bjerre, MD Physician at the Swedish Road
Administration, has published articles in the following
journals:
Accident Analysis & Prevention
Traffic Injury Prevention