Are IIDs accurate? What are their limitations in preventing TX DWIs ?

 

A:

• Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) employ an ethanol-sensitive fuel cell sensor to detect alcohol and determine its percentage on the driver's breath. The fuel cell senor technology, while more ethanol-specific than the infrared spectroscope technology used in law enforcement breathalyzers, is less accurate but cheaper and more practical for IID use.
• IIDs rely on chemical reactions that generate an electrical signal. They require periodic recalibration to remain effective. And eventually, the repeated chemical reactions use up the fuel cell. Like other batteries that rely on chemical reactions, IIDs work best when they are first installed, and gradually become less effective as their chemicals are used up.
• Studies in California show that IIDs have some effect in reducing subsequent DUI accidents in repeat DUI offenders who have the IIDs installed in order to obtain restricted driving privileges.
• But IIDs do not get results with first-time DUI offenders who had high blood alcohol levels on their first offenses. These DUI offenders continue to drive drunk and risk cause debilitating injuries and horrific DUI accident fatalities,
• Some contest that IIDs generate false positive results, similar to those occasionally found in law enforcement breathalyzers, mainly because of "mouth alcohol." Mouth alcohol might be alcohol that hasn't yet been absorbed into the blood. It might also be residue from mouthwash, cough syrup, breath spray, salad dressing, or even gas fumes after filling the car's gas tank. Just like poppy-seed buns can generate false positive results on a drug test, some say that IID s can generate false positives on breath analysis tests.

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