Archive for the ‘Maryland’ Category

« Older Entries

Have Fun This Memorial Day Weekend Without Alcohol!

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

If you have an ignition interlock, there are still ways to enjoy BBQs, parties, and general celebration this Memorial Day weekend.

Sure, it looks tempting to have a beer as you watch your friends and family drink and have a good time. However, it’s going to really suck at the end of the night when you want to go home and you can’t even start your car.

I did some research and found a bunch of recipes for some great non-alcoholic drinks. I picked out a few recipes that, to me, mimic the taste of an alcoholic beverage.

Don’t let those coolers of beer tempt you. If you’re responsible enough to install an ignition interlock, you’re responsible enough to make the right decision this weekend for a safe and happy holiday.

DrinksMixer.com

What Looks Good: Apple Citrus Refresher, Caboose Cooler, Cactus Juice Cocktail, Chocolate Cola Cooler, Cucumber Punch, Orange Cocktail, Pat Cocktail, Safe Sex on the Beach, Summertime Soda, Virgin Manhattan

Barnonedrinks.com

What Looks Good: Afterglow, Apple Frazzle, Bog Punch, Ginger Peach Cocktail, Orange and Tonic, Pac Man, Rumless Ricky

MarthaStewart.com

What Looks Good: Apple Ginger Sparklers, Pink Grapefruit Margarita

Mocktail Recipes on About.com

What Looks Good: Cardinal Punch, Cran Dandy Shandy, Green Lemonade, Sundowner

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Nationwide, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island | Comments Off

Ignition Interlocks’ Interesting Numbers

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

428,309,224- Number of alcohol-free starts, recorded by Smart Start

6,127,672 – Number of Alcohol starts prevented, recorded by Smart Start

1,000,000 – Number of vehicles with an ignition interlock if all states mandate the use of ignition interlock devices after a DUI arrest

150,000 – Number of DUI offenders within states that require mandatory car breathalyzers in their vehicles

10,000 – Number of lives purported by Consumer Affairs that could be saved if ignition interlocks were required by all 50 states

65 – Percent of alcohol violations reduced by repeat offenders with ignition interlock

40 – Percent of annual deaths caused by drinking and driving

13 – Number of states with mandatory ignition interlock laws

3 – Number of dollars a day a person would spend by installing an ignition interlock

2 –Number of states with no ignition interlock law (Alabama and South Dakota)

0 – Percent chance you’ll be arrested for another DUI if you install an ignition interlock

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Nationwide, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Ignition Interlocks and Alcohol Problems

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

There was a story recently about an Ohio woman who got pulled over a DUI on her way to another DUI hearing. Of course, it’s a story that gets much ridicule and from a standpoint it is pretty ridiculous.

However, when I hear of stories like this, I can’t help but think about how sad it is. This woman must have a severe drug or alcohol problem and it seems like she needs to get some serious help.

Even though her arrest has been reported by media outlets, she isn’t the only one struggling with alcohol or drug abuse. For online sobriety resources, here are some helpful suggestions on where to start. If you’re interested in using an ignition interlock to assist with your alcohol issues, make an appointment to get one installed today!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Nationwide, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island | Comments Off

Important Things to Remember When Installing Your Ignition Interlock

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Bring Your Paperwork

This is very important. The technician needs to know which location to send your results to and the terms of your sentence. Your paperwork is good to have on hand should any issues arise.

Ask About Your Car’s Battery Life

Although it is very uncommon for an ignition interlock to drain your car’s battery, be sure to check that your battery is in good working condition to handle an interlock.

Learn How to Blow Into an Interlock

Although blowing into an interlock is very easy, be sure the technician shows you the proper technique before you leave. You should also practice a few times, as well.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Nationwide, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island | Comments Off

Common Ignition Interlock Complaint: The Ignition Interlock is Draining my Car Battery

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Ignition Interlock Complaints

Let me preface this post by saying that similar to me not being a certified legal expert, I am neither a certified automobile expert. Every car is different. Whether or not an ignition interlock has an effect on your car depends on the car’s condition, among other things.

Caveat aside, for the most part, if you drive your car regularly, you should not have a problem with battery drainage. The only time you may expect your battery to drain is if you don’t use your car for an extended period time.  Truth be told, you can drain your battery a lot quicker if you leave your lights on than if you have an ignition interlock.

Be sure to talk with the technician about your car’s battery life to ensure no issues will happen.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Nationwide, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island | Comments Off

Common Complaint: “The Ignition Interlock is Too Expensive”

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

Cost of Ignition interlock

I’ve heard a ton of complaints about the expensive prices of ignition interlocks. I know none of you are thrilled about paying for one.

No one wants to spend money on something they don’t want. I get it. But if you’ve been required to install an ignition interlock, it would be smart to get one. If you don’t fulfill your requirement, you and your wallet will be very sorry you didn’t install one right away.

Based on Smart Start’s prices, paying for an interlock is about 3 dollars a day. It is probably the same amount as a large coffee, which I know a lot of you probably get every day.

Furthermore, ignition interlocks are used as an alternative punishment to many things, including paying expensive fines or taking alcohol education classes (which you have to pay for). In the end, using an ignition interlock can possibly save you money.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Nationwide, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island | Comments Off

What is it Like to be an Ignition Interlock User?

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

Using an Ignition Interlock

Gene Park of Staradvertiser agreed recently to go a week with an ignition interlock and report his experience to his readers. It is a very interesting piece, but there are a couple of things I want to point out.

A main point of Park’s article is that he felt embarrassed using the ignition interlock. He had a passenger in the car and felt uncomfortable doing the blow hum technique in front of her. Furthermore, Park claimed that he felt self-conscious in front of other drivers taking the rolling re-test on the road.

I think what Park needs to understand that ignition interlocks are for people who cannot drive without them. Being embarrassed usually isn’t an issue for most ignition interlock users. These are people whose freedom to drive was put on the line or are working very hard to overcome alcohol issues. I’m not trying to say ignition interlock users never feel insecure when utilizing one, especially in front of another person. It is just important to understand that at the end of the day, with the freedom and safety an interlock provides, most drivers a pretty thankful to have one.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Nationwide, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island | Comments Off

National High Five Day

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

High Five

Did you know that today is National High Five Day?  Without sounding condescending, I just wanted to give a “high five” to those of you who stepped up and took responsibility for their DUI arrest. You made your court dates, fought your charges, and have agreed to install an ignition interlock.

All of these things are huge hassles. However, you agreed to step up and take charge. I have worked with a lot of people who don’t take their DUI charges seriously. They miss their courts dates and don’t hire a lawyer. Furthermore, a lot of people who are required to install an ignition interlock never do. Ultimately, they find themselves in deep trouble if they get pulled over again. Not only could they get another charge on their record, but the fines could increase and he or she may even have to spend time in jail.

Therefore, I just want to say “good for you” for taking responsibility and utilizing an ignition interlock. With the risk of losing your ability to drive, I sincerely hope an interlock is providing you with the driving freedom that you, at one point, thought you were going to lose.

Above all, high five!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Nationwide, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island | Comments Off

The Importance of Going to Your Ignition interlock Service Provider

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Ignition Interlock

I understand how much of a headache ignition interlocks cause. It is a hassle that no one wants. Furthermore, having to go in to your ignition interlock service provider every month is no day at the beach.

However, missing or not scheduling your monthly calibration appointment can have serious consequences. First off, if the judge or DMV (depending on your state’s ignition interlock laws) do not receive your results, you will get a violation. Having a violation could mean having your ignition interlock even longer or getting your license suspended or revoked.

Furthermore, you could even get your car towed for not heading in to recalibrate. If your service light comes on for any reason (you haven’t started your car enough times, not breathing correctly) you have only a certain number of days to go to your ignition interlock service provider before your car gets towed altogether.

These are consequences that can easily be avoided by making your appointment on time, showing up, and not putting anything off. Prove to the court, the DMV, and yourself that you can take responsibility for your actions. Before your know it, this mess will be behind you.

To schedule your appointment, fill out this form today!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island | Comments Off

Common Ignition Interlock Complaint: “The Rolling Retests Distract Me from the Road”

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

Distracted Driving

Everyone should be concerned about distracted driving and ignition interlock companies are not excluded from this. Cars are built with tons of distractions, in addition to cellphones, and these features and devices must be used in the safest way possible.

Rolling retests usually happen every ten minutes after you have started your car. Is it annoying? Yes. (But I’m sure there’s at least one person you’ve driven that irks you even more…)

Find out from your technician how often the rolling retests happen. Stay on top of time and know when a rolling retest may come up. Of course, when you’re in a rush, it could catch up with you and be an obstacle from getting to where you need. However, if you know that you’re going to be driving for a while, be prepared for a rolling retest to occur.

If you’re worried about being distracted by a rolling retest, pull over to take the test. You would pull over anyway to take a phone call (right?), so do the same when it’s time to take the rolling retest. It takes a few seconds to breathe into the interlock and then you can be on your way.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Nationwide, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island | Comments Off

« Older Entries