Ignition Locks

Ignition interlock devices, also called breath alcohol ignition interlock device or BAIID, are devices installed on motor vehicle dashboards and in which the driver must exhale into for the car to start.

The software in the device will analyze the breath for the breath-alcohol concentration and if this is greater than the blood alcohol concentration that is programmed (0.02% or 0.04%), the engine will not start. The BAIID will require other samples at random times after the engine has started.

Most of these devices use ethanol-specific fuel cells for sensors. The logs from the device are stored for downloading or printing out for analysis by the authorities. The sensors are calibrated at 1, 2, or 3-month intervals. If there is a violation, the authorities can impose additional sanctions.

Collin County DWI Court

Last year, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 503 alcohol-related accidents in Collin County, which caused 220 severe injuries and 11 fatalities – a high price for a county to pay for the recklessness of a few individuals. These DWI cases can also put a strain on the court system and cause backlogging. Fortunately for Collin County residents (and maybe for the drunk drivers themselves), Collin County deals with this problem through innovative DWI courts which are designed to not only punish DWI, but prevent recurrence of drunk driving by working to combat the root problem of alcohol and substance abuse in drivers who are likely to become repeat offenders. As McKinney DWI attorney Kyle Shaw states, “Good people make mistakes, I think the DWI and drug courts in Collin County promotes not repeating those mistakes.” This approach provides substantial benefits to the community by preventing future incidents - which keeps the community safer.

So, how does this system work? Once convicted of a DWI, individuals are given the option of joining the voluntary program. If they do, their fines and jail sentences may be probated and community service requirements waived. In exchange, they participate in an intensive probation program to keep them sober for a year. To insure that this happens, they are connected with treatment providers and counselors who help them stay sober. Participants are also required to meet often with their parole officer and appear in court to meet with the judge on a regular basis. They are subject to random urine tests and required to install an alcohol detection systems in their car, while some are also required to wear devices that constantly monitor their skin to detect alcohol consumption, and if participants slip-up or fail to stay sober, their parole can be revoked or they may face jail time. This program, which provides incentive for individuals to stay sober and holds them accountable for their actions, has been successful in lowering the rate of recurrence of drunk driving incidents - keeping Collin County roads safer and even saving lives by preventing accidents in the first place.