202 | SAFETY
No more drunk drivers Breath testing technology that disables a vehicle’s ignition if a driver is impaired is becoming increasingly popular with commercial operators Words | Tony Power, Alcohol Countermeasure Systems, Canada
In-car navigation systems have become nearly as common as car radios. But another less well-known vehicle technology has also been growing in popularity since the 1980s – ignition interlocks. These prevent a vehicle from being started unless a specific test is passed by the driver, typically an alcohol breath test. For the past 35 years such systems have been available in the USA and Canada as part of the regulatory system to combat impaired driving. Other countries such as Australia, Sweden and the UK have also implemented alcohol interlock programs to limit vehicle use by drink-driving offenders. .
Commercial interest growing While compliance monitoring programs are still the primary market for alcohol interlocks, many commercial organizations are now incorporating these devices into their fleet vehicles as a risk-management tool. Safety is a priority for commercial fleet managers and public transportation professionals, ensuring that their employees, clients and cargo are protected from the consequences of impaired driving. Over the past 40 years, advances in breath testing technology have progressed
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from basic semiconductor-type sensors to advanced ethanol-specific fuel cell sensors that are highly accurate and more reliable than their predecessors. Improvements in sensor technology, combined with innovations in data transmission such as wireless and cellular technology, have brought the capabilities of alcohol interlocks to the attention of the commercial sector.
Safety matters matter more As more and more safety-conscious organizations turn to ignition interlocks to ensure drivers are not operating fleet vehicles while under the influence, Alcohol Countermeasure Systems (ACS) has developed an innovative alcohol interlock solution to meet this growing demand. Designed to enhance operational safety for commercial vehicle operators, the Alcolock L series eliminates the need for random alcohol testing of vehicle drivers, increasing road safety by preventing impaired driving and allowing fleet managers to monitor driver status and vehicle operations remotely. The Alcolock L series is customizable and can be programmed to meet specific company safety policy requirements. Drivers may be tested at the beginning of
their shift, or at intervals throughout the day, enabling companies to institute and enforce zero-tolerance policies. The devices can be installed in any motorized equipment, including trucks, ships, trains and heavy machinery, thus preventing the vehicle from being started if the breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of the driver is over a preset limit. Two independent fuel cell sensors are used to conduct the breath alcohol analysis, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the measurement. Breath signature technology ensures that the sample comes directly from a human subject and has not been filtered or altered, and that the sample is not affected by environmental factors such as dust, humidity, or temperature. After an approved breath test, the alcohol interlock engages a relay to enable the vehicle engine to be started. The starter relay will remain engaged during the operation of the vehicle and for a preset restart period after the engine is turned off or the vehicle stalls. The vehicle engine may be started during the restart period, programmed according to fleet requirements, without the need for another breath sample.
