Man Uses His Children for His Breathalyzer Tests to Drive Drunk

It’s not a good idea to let someone else test with your car breathalyzer if you’re required to use one. It’s even worse when you ask your children to take the breath tests for you.

Rhode Island Man Bypasses Breathalyzer Tests with His Children

A man in Rhode Island did just that. He asked his two children, who were under 18-years-old, to take his Ignition Interlock breath tests so he could drive drunk.

On occasion, a child can successfully perform the device’s breath tests. However, Ignition Interlocks’ required breath volumes in most states, and the test patterns, make it difficult for a child to pass a test.

The man will spend a year in prison, as well as receiving one years’ probation and a fine of $500. Some may consider this a light punishment given his history of traffic violations, such as driving with a suspended license.

Children and Drunk Driving Crashes

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 43 states and D.C. have laws against someone driving drunk with children in the car. MADD also states that over half of the children killed in drunk driving crashes are because they were riding with a drunk driver.

In Rhode Island, DUI offenders who had children under 13-years-old in their car are subject to a term of imprisonment for at least a year. Offenders could also risk losing visitation and/or custodial rights.

Ignition Interlock Cameras

One way for states to verify who’s really taking the test is to attach cameras to users’ vehicles. Smart Start’s camera only takes a snapshot of the person while they take their Ignition Interlock test, and never streams video.

Cameras answer the question of who took the test while not being too invasive for clients. In fact, they can help clients prove their compliance to their State Authorities during their Ignition Interlock program. It would also prevent dangerous situations, like this man’s in Rhode Island, from happening again.

Smart Start Gets You Back on the Road Quickly

Need to install a car breathalyzer, otherwise known as an Ignition Interlock? We’ll set up your appointment at your nearest service center and offer any current discounts. Call our team today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our simple online form.