Ignition device detects alcohol of driver

SHIRLEY, N.Y., March 15 (UPI) -- A breath alcohol ignition interlock device measures breath alcohol concentration in vehicles and uses a wireless phone to send the results, a U.S. firm says.

John Ruocco, chief executive officer of Interceptor Ignition Interlocks, says the Interceptor requires drivers to be tested before starting a vehicle and then tested again periodically throughout the duration of the drive. If at any time the test indicates legal limits have been exceeded, the Interceptor will either prevent the car from starting, or will deliver an automated voice prompt to the driver to turn off the engine.

In the event a driver does not shut off the vehicle's engine, the Interceptor triggers a series of events -- the car's lights flash; the car's horn is activated continuously. A local 911 police emergency response dispatcher is alerted through the central information portal using AT&T's wireless network and the dispatcher directs police to intercept the targeted vehicle immediately.

"We designed this device to detect blood alcohol levels in the breath of drivers previously convicted of driving while intoxicated and to ensure that violators are instantly and simultaneously reported to authorities and prevented from operating their vehicle," Ruocco said in a statement.

The Interceptor device is typically court-ordered for drivers who have a previous driving under the influence conviction, but in New York first-time offenders will be mandated by the court to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.