Alcohol ignition lock

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alcohol ignition lock (arrow) in a Scania bus on the Postbus long-distance bus line

An alcohol ignition lock , also: alcohol interlock or alcohol immobilizer , is the technical connection between a device for determining breath alcohol and an immobilizer . The purpose of these devices is to use an ignition lock to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol.

technology

An alcohol ignition lock consists of two components: a hand-held device with a measuring display and a control unit, which is installed below the dashboard cover, and is located within reach of the driver's seat . The driver first operates the ignition. The request to take a breath sample then appears, for example through a signal tone or an LED light on the hand-held device. The hand-held device measures the alcohol concentration of the inhaled breath, and after around five seconds the result is shown on a display . If the measured value of the breath alcohol is not above a previously programmed value (e.g. the legal limit value), the control unit enables the starting current. The engine can now be started. However, if the breath alcohol concentration is too high, the control unit blocks the starter and thus the engine's starting function.

A mini fuel cell that only responds to ethanol is used as a sensor in the handheld device . This sensor records the breath alcohol content as a quantitative measured variable and converts it into an electronically readable signal. Modern devices store event logs such as the results, dates and times of the breath tests. The logs can be downloaded from a central company server , e.g. B. the fleet management or downloaded locally to a computer. The settings can be adapted to the requirements of the company (e.g. with regard to shift changes or the course of the day). If the operating sequence requires a quick driver change, as is common with city buses, for example, the device can be programmed so that a test can be carried out within a very short time without having to restart the vehicle.

Subsequent installation and costs

In Europe, factory installation is currently only offered by the car manufacturer Volvo under the name Alcoguard . The Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania offers factory preparation for trucks and buses, which enables the quick installation of any device type without rewiring.

Retrofitting is possible for almost all motor vehicles. The costs in Germany are between 1000 and 2000 euros, in Switzerland around 1500 CHF. Added to this are the running costs of calibration , which - depending on the model - is required every six to twelve months.

Situation in individual countries

Put up a warning sign after driving alcohol

United States of America

Alcohol ignition locks have been in use in the USA since 1986: The Farr-Davis Driver Safety Act of California created the first legally binding regulations for the use of Alcolocks among drivers who have suspected alcohol in California. Today, all 50 states in the United States have laws regarding the use of alcohol ignition locks. The framework conditions are designed differently: individual states prescribe the installation and use of alcohol ignition locks for every driver convicted of drunk driving, others only for repeat offenders or above a certain blood alcohol level. Many states allow installation requirements as part of the judge's discretion.

In 2015, the state of Michigan published a study evaluating the rehabilitation program for alcohol-related drivers linked to the alcohol interlock : According to this, the installation of the devices results in a significantly lower relapse rate compared to drivers for whom the court does not prescribe a device. The study also found that only 0.5 percent of those affected remove the devices and 1.2 percent manipulate them. The Californian company Autosense in Silicon Valley claims to be a pioneer and market leader of the first alcohol locks, but this claim has not been substantiated. In the United States, alcohol ignition locks are now considered technically mature and trouble-free. Under the symbol IID (for English ignition interlock device ) they are entered into general usage.

European Union

Alcohol abuse is responsible for around 25% of road deaths in Europe . The EU has therefore been conducting extensive studies on the effectiveness of alcohol ignition locks for years. According to the European Commission , these show that the devices are significantly (40 to 95%) more effective than conventional punishment methods (such as driving license revocation or fines ) with regard to recidivism . Accordingly, the use of alcohol ignition locks can ensure that repeatedly alcohol-suspicious drivers can keep their driving licenses and are nevertheless successfully prevented from using their vehicle when they are intoxicated. The studies also underline the possible role of these devices in rehabilitation programs: Alcohol ignition locks themselves have no therapeutic effect, but they can successfully support therapies. One of these studies consisted of a year-long field trial with Spanish and Norwegian bus drivers, German truck drivers and Belgian drivers convicted of alcohol abuse, as well as people addicted to alcohol. The experiment showed the practicality both in the commercial and in the private sector. On September 27, 2011, the European Parliament passed an extensive catalog of road safety measures. The more than 100 suggestions include a. the installation of alcohol ignition locks in all new vehicles for commercial passenger and goods traffic in Europe as well as for drivers who are particularly suspicious of alcohol.

In November 2019 it was decided in the EU regulation EU 2019/2144 that EU type approvals from July 6, 2022 only for cars, buses, vans, trucks (EC vehicle classes M1, M2, M3, N1, N2, N3) with a Interface for the connection of alcohol immobilizers according to EN 50436 can be issued. Two years later, from July 7, 2024, all vehicles of the above-mentioned vehicle classes that are first registered in the EU must be equipped with such an interface. This interface simplifies and standardizes the connection of a breath alcohol monitoring device in new vehicles. The actual breath alcohol monitoring device is not part of the provisions.

Austria

In Austria there are currently no legal regulations for the use of alcohol ignition locks. The Ministry of Transport started an extensive road safety program in 2011, which also includes pilot projects for the possible introduction of alcohol immobilizers in road freight transport. A first pilot test with trucks, which was also supported by the Freight Transport Industry Association, was completed at the beginning of 2012: the results were consistently rated positively; Half of the 23 transport companies involved have since endorsed statutory regulations, 35% advocate voluntary regulations.

In another pilot project, the Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit, in cooperation with the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce, equipped several taxis and school transport vehicles with alcohol immobilizers. In 2012, there were 2,684 accidents involving people who were drunk in Austria; 3425 people were injured and 39 killed.

Germany

In Germany there is currently no legal framework for the state use of alcohol ignition locks. In addition to unresolved questions relating to traffic and criminal law, there are doubts about its compatibility with the Basic Law , in particular with the principle of proportionality . This requires u. a. that any state measure that encroaches on fundamental rights is necessary and appropriate. The introduction of alcohol ignition locks in Germany therefore requires careful consideration of all the advantages and disadvantages. This applies above all to the restriction of the right to property ( Art. 14 GG) and general freedom of action ( Art. 2 (1) GG). The Federal Highway Research Institute therefore started a pilot project on July 1, 2011 on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transport , in which the legal prerequisites should first be clarified. In a second phase, people are to be identified who participate in the project on a voluntary basis. After that, the actual test phase with subsequent evaluation is planned. The first results and recommendations for action should be available as early as 2013; however, the publication was delayed. The title of the research project is: Improving the safety effectiveness of rehabilitation measures for drivers who have committed alcohol abuse through the use of alcohol interlocks . In March 2012 , Anton Hofreiter , who was chairman of the transport committee of the German Bundestag , advocated the introduction of alcohol locks in school buses in an interview in an automobile newspaper. In November 2014, the chairman of the Bundestag Transport Committee, Martin Burkert (SPD), suggested the introduction of alcohol ignition locks to curb traffic accidents caused by alcohol. Federal Minister of Transport Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) also announced that this measure was fundamentally positive in terms of a voluntary probation condition for alcoholics offenders. At the end of January 2019, the 57th Traffic Court Day spoke out in  favor of the introduction of alkolocks. They should serve "as a complement to the existing system of measures for alcohol-striking drivers" and an alternative to provisional withdrawing the license (§ 111a Code of Criminal Procedure) or ensuring or confiscation (§ 94 Code of Criminal Procedure), an exception to the embargo that affects the re-issuing of driving (Section 69a, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code) or shortening the retention period (Section 69a, Paragraph VII of the Criminal Code) and an alternative to the driving ban (Section 44 of the StGB)

France

Alcohol abuse behind the wheel accounts for 31% of all road deaths in France . In October 2009, an ordinance was passed that requires the installation of alcohol immobilizers (French: éthylotest anti-demarrage (EAD) ) in all new school buses from January 1, 2010. Since September 1, 2015, the existing school buses must also be retrofitted. Regulations came into force in September 2011 that also stipulate the installation of alcohol ignition locks in vehicles of repeat offenders as part of rehabilitation programs. In addition, some French freight forwarders use alcohol ignition locks on a voluntary basis.

In France, since July 1, 2012, all motor vehicle owners have been obliged to carry a simple device for measuring breath alcohol. According to the decree of February 28, 2013, failure to carry the measuring device with you will not, as originally intended, result in a fee-based warning, so that the absence of the device is de facto not punished. In the event of an accident under the influence of alcohol, however, this could be interpreted unfavorably.

Netherlands

Since December 1, 2011, stricter requirements have applied in the Netherlands for drivers who have become suspicious of drink driving. The use of an ignition lock in the vehicle of the person concerned is initially intended for a period of two years. If there is no change in behavior after a further six months, the driving license can be withdrawn for five years. The person concerned bears the costs for installation and operation of the device.

Poland

Since May 2015, drivers in Poland who have suspected drink driving have been severely punished. In addition to the imposition of fines and imprisonment, drivers who have committed criminal offenses are required to install an alcohol ignition lock. It is also possible to withdraw your driving license for life.

Belgium

On October 1, 2010, a law came into force in Belgium that allows judges to make discretionary decisions to require drivers who suspect alcohol to install an alcohol ignition lock.

Sweden

Sweden is currently the only EU country in which alcohol ignition locks are used in large numbers; A total of around 75,000 devices were installed in vehicles there at the beginning of 2014. These are not only used for drivers who have already been suspicious of alcohol (legally permitted since January 1, 2012), but also preventively in trucks, buses, school buses and taxis. In 2010, Volvo offered all customers in Sweden a discount for factory-fitted equipment in trucks. As a result, a quarter of all heavy Volvo trucks were sold with Alcoguards already installed . To underline the role model function of the state, around 75% of government vehicles have been equipped with alcohol immobilizers since 2012; In addition, the installation of these devices in school buses has been mandatory since the end of 2012.

Finland

Since August 1, 2011, there has been an obligation in Finland to use the devices in school buses and vehicles to transport children to day care centers. In the case of drivers convicted of drunk driving, judges have the option of installing an alcohol ignition lock for one year (up to a maximum of 3 years). At the same time, the convict has to undergo a medically supervised rehabilitation program. If the convicted person is not prepared to do this, his driver's license will be withdrawn. According to a study published in 2013, the relapse rate when installing an alcohol ignition lock is six percent, without this device thirty percent. This study was carried out on the basis of comparative data collected over a period of four years.

Ireland

There are currently no government regulations governing alcohol ignition locks in Ireland . Some bus companies use the devices on a voluntary basis. The fact that the test is visibly carried out by the driver in front of all fellow passengers is welcomed by the passengers.

Great Britain and northern Ireland

The UK and Northern Ireland do not have government regulations on alcohol ignition locks. The largest European bus company in regular transport, the British National Express , is installing the devices in all new buses and is currently retrofitting all 1,700 buses. The results of the alcohol tests are transmitted online directly to the company headquarters in Birmingham, so that in the event of problems, immediate action can be taken. B. a replacement driver can be used. Security aspects are specifically advertised by the company in marketing. This company policy is also seen as a consequence of a spectacular bus accident in 2007 with 30 injuries; the drunken company driver was sentenced to prison. In Europe, Great Britain (along with Ireland and Malta) is the country with the maximum alcohol limit for driving vehicles (0.8 ‰).

Japan

There are currently no government regulations in Japan . However, some bus companies and haulage companies use the system on a voluntary basis.

criticism

Alcohol ignition locks are - in addition to the unresolved traffic and constitutional problems in Germany, for example - repeatedly the subject of critical discussion:

  • Manipulation: According to the criticism, the devices can be manipulated like any technical device. A drunk driver could also connect an air pump to the mouthpiece of the handheld device and let the air flow slowly into the device. Manipulation attempts can be counteracted in various ways: Basically, air temperature, volume, pressure and humidity as well as vibrations can be recorded. This also prevents children with a lower respiratory volume from using the device. Safeguards against manipulation of the battery (for starting the vehicle) are also possible. According to studies from the USA and Canada, manipulation is very rare.
  • Start by taking a breath sample from a non-driver: The system can be bypassed by having a sober person (e.g. passenger) give the breath sample to the drunk driver. In the discussion, this is sometimes countered by the fact that it does not correspond to general life experience that a passenger starts the vehicle in order to then ride with a drunk. However, it would be possible to take a breath test without having to ride along afterwards. In addition, a drunk driver would have to rely on someone else for the breath test not only when starting the vehicle for the first time, but also after each longer stop.
  • Costs: The not insignificant cost (1000 to 2000 euros) of the - z. B. with a general regulation for installation in all trucks - would burden all professional drivers or companies, although alcohol drivers make up only a very small minority of them. This contrasts with the economic costs of road traffic accidents, which the Federal Highway Research Institute puts at over 32 billion euros. In Germany, around 3.6% of reported accidents involving personal injury in 2014 were due to the influence of alcohol on the part of the driver.

See also

Web links

  • Study by the European Commission (PDF) on preventing drink-driving through the use of alcohol interlocks (as of 2014).
  • Study by the European Parliament (PDF) on alcohol interlocks with regard to their effectiveness and possible contribution to road safety. Including an overview of the technical requirements and an analysis of the cost-effectiveness (status 2014).

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c TÜV commissioned with project on Alcolock systems Press release of VdTÜV from July 6, 2011. Accessed on February 8, 2012.
  2. ↑ Volvo Trucks Safety product video from the manufacturer. Uploaded to YouTube on July 9, 2009.
  3. ^ Alcolock ( Memento from May 20, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
  4. ↑ Technology that protects against drinkers Der stern from November 20, 2011. Retrieved on February 8, 2012.
  5. ↑ Key Features For Ignition Interlock Programs (PDF; 1.302 MB) Documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the US Department of Transportation dated March 2010. Retrieved February 8, 2012.
  6. ↑ Documentation of the MADD : Ignition Interlocks: Every State, For Every Convicted Drunk Driver ( Memento of January 2, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF)
  7. ↑ Michigan DWI / Sobriety Court Ignition Interlock Evaluation (PDF; 1.451 MB) 2015 Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals publication.Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  8. ↑ AutoSense Introduced the first ever BAIID legislation in 1986 and in California homepage AutoSense International . Retrieved February 7, 2012.
  9. ↑ EU - Road safety - Alcohol interlocks ( Memento from July 12, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
  10. ↑ Summary of the EU study from September 2006: Executive summary of the alcolock field trial . ( Memento of March 5, 2016 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF)
  11. ↑ German Information Office of the European Parliament: 103 measures to halve the number of road deaths by 2020 ( Memento from February 6, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
  12. ↑ https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32019R2144&qid=1597688829495&from=EN
  13. ↑ Road Safety Program 2011-2020 ( Memento from February 25, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF; 4.85 MB) Publication by the Ministry of Transport from 2011. Accessed on February 12, 2012.
  14. ↑ Alcohol interlock pilot project in Austria Presentation by the Ministry of Transport and the Freight Transport Industry Association. Uploaded to YouTube on October 19, 2010.
  15. ↑ Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit : Alcohol immobilizer ( Memento from February 22, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF)
  16. ↑ Press release of the Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit: Safe on the move by taxi & in school transport: Premiere in Salzburg for the alcohol immobilizer ( Memento from February 22, 2014 in the Internet Archive )
  17. ↑ Accidents with personal injury Federal Statistics Austria from October 22, 2013. Accessed on February 9, 2014.
  18. ^ Federal Highway Research Institute : Research, ongoing projects ( Memento from February 21, 2014 in the Internet Archive )
  19. ↑ Traffic safety - alcohol test for bus drivers FOCUS from March 8, 2012. Accessed on June 17, 2012.
  20. ↑ Berlin plan: alcohol sinners should blow before the trip Lübecker Nachrichten of November 14, 2014. Accessed on November 18, 2014.
  21. ↑ Dobrindt wants to test alcohol immobilizers Die Welt from February 6, 2015. Retrieved on February 5, 2016.
  22. ↑ Hasso Suliak: Recommendations of the 57th Traffic Court Day: Traffic lawyers call for Alkolock immobilizers. In: Legal Tribune Online . January 25, 2019, accessed February 1, 2019 .
  23. ↑ Information from the Ministère de l'écologie, du développement durable et de l'énergie : Guide pour la sécuritè des transports colaires ( Memento of June 11, 2013 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF)
  24. ↑ TECL first in France with alcolocks Video on the introduction of the first alcohol ignition locks. Uploaded to YouTube on September 25, 2009.
  25. ↑ Failure to carry an alcohol test will not result in a fine ( memento from August 14, 2018 in the Internet Archive ) website of the French embassy in Berlin from August 7, 2013. Accessed on November 1, 2015.
  26. ↑ SWOV Fact Sheet message from the Dutch Institute for Road Safety from December 2011. Accessed on February 11, 2012.
  27. ↑ Stricter punishments for drivers since May 18 Website of the Chancellery of the Polish Prime Minister of May 18, 2014. Accessed on November 1, 2015.
  28. ^ The Alcohol Lock website of a Belgian law firm dated December 17, 2010. Accessed February 11, 2012.
  29. ↑ Background paper of the Institute for Road Safety Research : Fact Sheet Alcolock ( Memento from February 22, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF)
  30. ↑ Trucker World : Breakthrough for Alcolock in heavy commercial vehicles ( Memento from September 29, 2010 in the Internet Archive )
  31. ↑ alkolukon käytöstä koulu- ja päivähoitokuljetuksissa Legal regulation of December 10, 2010, in force since August 1, 2011. Portal to national legal provisions of the Finnish Ministry of Justice. Retrieved on February 12, 2012 (also in English)
  32. ↑ Effectiveness and impact of alcohol interlock-controlled driving rights Publication by trafi from June 2013. Accessed October 31, 2015.
  33. ↑ Matthews Coach Hire launches Alcolock video for the bus company Matthews Coach . Uploaded to YouTube on January 13, 2009
  34. ↑ National Express Makes Coaches Even Safer Internet presence of the company. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  35. ^ Drunk coach driver arrested . Wikinews , September 3, 2007.
  36. ↑ Compilation of the permitted blood alcohol levels in Europe, published by the European Commission: Blood Alcohol content (mg / ml) ( Memento from June 7, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF)
  37. ↑ Japanese TV News Interlock news from Japanese television. Uploaded to YouTube on April 20, 2009.
  38. ↑ lecture by the Swedish abstaining Motorists' Association. (No longer available online.) Formerly in the original ; accessed on May 23, 2020 .  ( Page no longer available , search in web archives )@1@ 2Template: Dead Link / www.etsc.eu
  39. ↑ Alkolocks can be tricked theoretically Rhein-Zeitung , April 20, 2011; Retrieved February 12, 2012.
  40. ^ Publication by the Federal Highway Research Institute: Economic costs caused by road traffic accidents . ( Memento of July 14, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF)
  41. ↑ Causes of the accident . Federal Statistical Office ; Retrieved August 21, 2012.