Citation

Gilg T, Hutzler G, Tourneur D, Eisenmenger W. Blutalkohol 1998; 35(5): 331-343.

Affiliation

Inst. Rechtsmedizin der Universitat, 80337 Munchen, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety and Bund gegen Alkohol und Drogen im Straßenverkehr, Publisher Steintor Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Breath alcohol sensitive ignition locks (BAIID, Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices) are increasingly used in the USA and other countries after drink driving offences have been committed, both for the prevention of further casualties and for the improvement of road traffic. However, they are virtually unknown in Europe. The investigation of the alcolock(registered trademark) system, which is due to be introduced in Germany, resulted in partially profound deviations between breath alcohol and blood alcohol levels, based on principles of breath measuring devices and manipulations. Nevertheless, the intended detection of a relevant alcohol influence, i.e. of more than 0.3 (per mille) seems to be captured reliably. From a technical viewpoint and for safety reasons, the interlock should not interfere with the ignition but instead with the starter, which the manufacturer has already changed for the German market. The required testing on the road while driving should be cast aside for safety reasons. In agreement with experiences in the USA and other countries our results and general considerations ensure sufficiently that the use of BAIID equipped vehicles enabel a monitoring of alcohol free driving with an adequate degree of efficiency. Improvements of technical nature and breath analysis are possible, necessary and at least partially realisable. Combined with additional steps, such as remarks in (duplicate) driving licences, judicial impositions and controls, the use of BAIID in Germany may improve road traffic safety. Possible applications are defined cases of repeated offences as well as first time drink driving offences after initial legal steps as well as mandatory installation in vehicles transporting passengers or dangerous goods. The required basic conditions both for administrative and legal purposes have to be discussed and laid down.