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 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.

A standard alcohol interlock configuration features an interactive handset used to perform breath alcohol tests and communicate with the driver, and an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the power and control circuits of the vehicle. The Alcolock L series features four ECU options designed to meet unique fleet management requirements.

Alcohol interlock requirements

Light-duty commercial operations such as delivery vans or taxis require a full-featured alcohol interlock with a small footprint, such as Alcolock LT. Despite its small size, the LT device maintains high standards of robust construction and reliability. For fleets where driver monitoring is preferred rather than blocking of the vehicle starting mechanism, L Connect is a handset-only solution for integration of an alcohol interlock function into telematic systems or taxi meters.

Alcolock L with wi-fi communications is aimed at fleet operations where vehicles return to a central fleet garage or base of operations on a frequent basis, such as school buses and public transit vehicles. An authorized wi-fi waypoint with a 300m signal range is installed at the fleet base station, allowing the event log file to be automatically and securely transmitted to the server, ensuring effective data management.

For companies with vehicles that do not return to a central garage on a regular basis, such as long-distance transportation trucks or coach buses, Alcolock L with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) communications is the preferred solution. Fleet managers may view real-time reporting of event log data, especially positive BrAC test results, system over-ride, or other violations. The frequency of data transmission may be configured to selected times of the day, or on the occurrence of any violation in real time.

All L series ECUs can be integrated with telematic systems to monitor and report on vehicle and driver behavior in real-time through R232 or CANbus wired connections, or Bluetooth wireless means, according to the ECU model variant. Events are logged in both the handset and ECU, enabling remote downloads while protecting the security of the event log file and enhancing anti-circumvention measures. The configurable device settings are passcode protected and only accessible to fleet management or authorized personnel.

Event log files and other data collected from the L series alcohol interlock devices are securely transmitted and stored on ACS servers. Fleet managers can view the information through the AlcoFleet web-based data management application, allowing for monitoring of positive BrAC results, system override, or other violations. It also enables fleet managers to set up role-based access to authorized personnel within the organization, enroll vehicles, and change parameter settings. Designed specifically for fleet management professionals, AlcoFleet can be accessed with any operating system or browser on a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone.

With countries like France, Finland and Sweden mandating the use of ignition interlocks in school buses and/or public transportation, commercial organizations are choosing to demonstrate that they are safety conscious and committed to providing quality service to their customers. By proactively installing alcohol interlocks in their fleet vehicles, safety-focused companies can ensure that their employees are always safe to drive, no matter where they are.

ACS’s vision is to be a leader in promoting road safety and preventing impaired driving. Its mission is to continue to research and develop innovative, high quality, user-friendly products and services that help keep people safe, while strengthening its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. n

Below: Alcolock ensures drivers

are always safe to be behind the wheel