Driving on “double gas”

We often hear in the media about yet another driver arrested for drunk driving, or driving on so-called “double gas.” Police statistics, although declining, continue to inspire trepidation. During the Christmas holidays alone, the police arrest an average of 500 to 600 intoxicated drivers.

Effects of alcohol on the driver

What is the effect of alcohol on the driver’ s motor skills is known not from today.

Strict Polish standards in this regard, i.e. only a control measurement result of less than 0.2 per mille is allowed, require that the driver be sober. A result between 0.2 and 0.5 per mille is considered a state of drunkenness and is an offense. A measurement result above 0.5 per mille is already a crime. The legal consequences of both a misdemeanor and a felony mentioned above are very vexing and we can find a detailed description of them on legal portals and law firm websites.

The phenomenon of drunk driving does not apply only to private individuals. Such situations also occur among professional drivers, those who drive trucks and even among, public transport buses. A lack of responsibility on the part of drivers, as well as a lack of supervision on the part of supervisors, can result in deadly consequences.

How can we remedy this?

An accessible solution for all

There is a simple and effective solution to this situation in the form of vehicle-mounted alcohol interlocks. The purpose of such an interlock is to block the ability of a person under the influence of alcohol to start or drive a vehicle. Before starting the engine of a vehicle equipped with the interlock, the driver must blow into a measuring device coupled to a specially calibrated control panel that measures the amount of alcohol in the exhaled air (similar to police checks).

A properly installed interlock prevents any combinations and attempts at circumvention in the form of blowing by another person, interfering with the measurement by means of tobacco smoke, eating food or even blowing through a tube placed in water – because there have been such attempts as well. If a concentration above the legal limit (0.2 per mille) is detected, the device blocks the possibility of starting the engine and waits for the driver to change. It is also possible to notify the dispatcher or transport manager by radio or cell phone. As an option, it is possible to temporarily enforce regular measurements, e.g. every hour or every few hours. By default, the device, after unlocking the possibility to start the engine, remembers the reading for 30 minutes after the engine is immobilized, which is advantageous in the case of sudden extinguishment during driving or short stops, e.g. under a store or at a gas station.

The benefits of alcohol interlocks are already used by a great number of transport companies including MZA Warsaw and individual drivers and even car rental companies. The guarantee of safety, and thus the elimination of irresponsible drivers returns the expenses incurred in a very short time.

Autowatch alcohol blocker installed in a city bus | source: Autowatch Poland

Alcohol interlocks in Poland

Polish law has also recently allowed the use of installed interlocks to reduce the period of a sentence imposed for drunk driving. As a result, one can apply for a permit to drive a vehicle equipped with an alcohol interlock device if half of the conviction has passed, or at least 10 years if the ban was for life. Drivers who were convicted before the law went into effect will be able to apply for the right to drive a vehicle with an interlock device after the 18-month ban has expired.

Installation and rental of an alcohol interlock device

It is, of course, necessary to bear the cost of the alcohol interlock and its installation. Installation is carried out by the manufacturer or its authorized representative. Calibration of the alcomobilizer should be carried out every 12 months – remember that you need to carry a document confirming calibration. In addition, after the installation of the interlock, it is necessary to visit a vehicle inspection station to issue a certificate of installation. Only with such prepared documentation can we go to the district office (or other licensing authority) with an application for the issuance of a special driver’s license with a note about the installed interlock.

Of the many interlocks available on the market, we particularly recommend interlocks from Autowatch Poland – the general importer of Swedish devices – of which we are an Authorized Dealer and Service Center. Model TAB 720 has the approval of the Minister of Infrastructure.

Autowatch alcohol lock installed in a city bus | source: Autowatch Polska

In addition to the possibility of purchase and installation, we also offer the possibility of renting the blockade for any period of time with a minimum fee of PLN 80 per month.