An ignition interlock device is a small mechanism that does the same purpose of a breathalyzer, but it is attached to the dashboard of a car or truck. In order to get the vehicle to start, the driver has to breathe into the ignition interlock device. If the breathalyzer gets a reading higher than the desired blood alcohol level, the mechanism prevents the car from starting. It also tests the blood alcohol level after the car has started so that someone sober does not take the breath test for the intoxicated driver.
This device sounds like a great idea but as with most technology, it has its flaws. They can be unreliable and has the potential to be dangerous especially when it does breathalyzer tests on the highways or interstates. There are organizations that have been pushing for these devices to become mandatory for all vehicles. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is one of these organizations. It has really been focusing on trying to get installation on these mechanisms in all vehicles. They have said that they think these devices with eradicate drunk driving completely. Nissan, Chrysler, and GM are three of the six companies that donate the most money to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
They also stand to make millions through the vehicular installation of the ignition interlock devices. Now the manufacturers of theses mechanisms are hiring lobbyist to get bills passed that require the breathalyzer devices to be installed in all vehicles. The bill that they are pulling for would make ignition interlock devices a multimillion-dollar market almost instantaneously.
Lobbyist have worked to add a package to the bottom of the transportation reauthorization bill, a Christmas tree bill, that was released by Representative John Mica, a republican from Florida. David Kelly is a former chief of staff and is the current administrator at the National Highway and Traffic Safely Administration. The Coalition of Ignition Interlock Manufacturers recently hired him to lobby on their behalf. Tim Yehl is lobbying for Ignition Interlock Systems of Iowa. They have some successful and big named lobbyists working on their behalf.
The makers of the device are joining with companies that support the bill that makes the ignition devices a requirement in all vehicles in order to ensure that they both get rich through the installation. This is not an altruistic act; MADD, their contributors, as well as the makers of the ignition interlock devices have a lot to gain through the implement of the bill.
