Alcolocks

What is an alcolock?

It is a kind of exhaling mechanism that is connected to the car’s ignition. To start the car the driver has to blow in a pipe with an electric sensor, which reacts on alcohol, and if the test is positive the car won’t start. There is also a tiny computer installed in the alcolock who registers all previous tests that have been done. This computer also has several control functions so the driver won’t foul the alcolock by pumping in air or letting another person blow in the pipe. However it is not a complete system. The alcolock is best of in combination with regular medical controls since doesn’t react on drugs or alcohol mixed with drugs. So if the situation gets that bad it will hopefully be discovered by doctors in time.

Alcolocks in Sweden?

After a government decision late November last year the government decided to try the new alcolocks for a test period of five years in the counties of Stockholm, Östergörland and Västerbotten which represent an average for Sweden. The locks will be introduced from the 1st of January, 1999. Former drunk drivers and some scientific test groups will have the locks installed in their cars. This will let convicts lead a normal life and in some cases let them keep their jobs. But the main reason is to help persons with a long period of drinking and driving problems out of their problems. The total test period will be for five years and will include over 1000 persons. If the evaluation of the test comes out well the system will probably be introduced in the whole country.

Restrictions

A person who is convicted for drunk driving gets the possibility to get a temporary driver’s licence for two years, instead of a driver’s licence. This licence gives the convict right to a car installed with an alcolock. He or she will not be allowed to use any other car and is not allowed to drive outside Sweden. The person will have to pay for the lock and the cost for medical controls himself/ herself. The cost will end up somewhere around 30 kronors a day. If he or she in any way violates the restrictions during these two years the licence will be withdrawn and the penalty, which might be prison, will be imposed. Though if the person does well he will get his ordinary driver’s licence back after the two years.

The lock has been used in USA for many years and has shown nothing but positive effects. Tests have shown that alcolocks are a better cure for drunk drivers than taking their driver’s licences. After the period of driving with alcolocks the driver will be used to not drinking and driving which could be compared with the one that hasn’t been able to drive for a year or two, his latest driving memory will be drinking and driving.

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