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Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one because of a drunk driver knows how hard it can be to deal with all the legalities and emotions that are often involved in such cases. Drunk driving victims often wonder what can be done to ensure that justice is served for themselves or their loved ones. Attorney Randall Spivey often advises drunk driving victims that Florida has specific laws in place that are geared toward assisting the victims of drunk driving crashes and ensuring that they receive the just compensation they deserve. 

One thing that might give victims some peace of mind as they pursue their legal rights is knowing that, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the law requires certain individuals who have been convicted of DUI-related offenses to use and install ignition interlock devices on their motor vehicles. Most Fort Myers personal injury attorneys will tell you that the Ignition Interlock Program has proven to be quite helpful in keeping drunk drivers off the roads and keeping innocent drivers safe.

The Objective of the Ignition Interlock Program

Statistics show that when ignition interlock devices are used as part of a thorough monitoring program, the devices can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of repeat DUI-related offenses. DUI accident victims should also be aware that anyone who is convicted of DUI and applies to have his or her driver's license reinstated will likely be made to install the device on his or her vehicle prior to the reinstatement.

How Does the Device Work?

The ignition interlock is a device that is typically installed in the motor vehicles of those who have been convicted of DUI. Anyone who operates the motor vehicle will be required to blow into the device and provide a breath sample in order for the car to start.

If an individual blows into the device, and it shows a blood alcohol content level that is higher than .05 percent, the vehicle will not start. Additionally, drivers will have to blow periodically throughout the entire time the vehicle is in use. What that means is that if the device detects the presence of alcohol later on during the travel period, the vehicle, depending on the type of device installed, will set off certain alarms or flash the vehicle's headlights and blow the horn, until such time as the vehicle is turned off. The alarms are a way of drawing attention to the vehicle and the driver, which is yet another way of deterring drunk drivers from operating motor vehicles.

Having safer highways is very important, and Florida's Ignition Interlock Program is a step toward making that happen. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver and you would like to learn more about the laws pertaining to ignition interlocks, let one of the Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at The Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., help you get justice for you and your family. Call us today for more information.