Alcohol Interlocks and Why You Should Consider Installing One in Your Car

The Significance of Alcohol Interlock Devices

The Australian government and its various state authorities impose a number of laws and regulations to reduce road and vehicle accidents and injuries, with alcohol-related policies often forming an integral part of these efforts. Despite their presence often being limited to government-mandated programs for drivers that have committed a drink driving offence, alcohol ignition interlock devices are highly effective mechanisms that work towards ensuring the safety of drivers and the wider community. While these devices may only be installed at accredited service centres, they are readily available for voluntary use, affording the user and their wider community a number of benefits. 

How Alcohol Ignition Interlocks Work

Alcohol ignition interlock devices are a form of breath testing equipment that may be installed in cars, motorcycles, and trucks alike. To ensure the safety of these groups, the device requires the driver to provide a breath sample that is below a pre-determined limit to allow the car’s ignition to be engaged. When installed voluntarily, the alcohol interlock may also be programmed to require the driver to provide multiple breath samples throughout the duration of their journey, ensuring the driver continues to abide by the standards imposed by the device. Such alcohol ignition interlock devices are important in facilitating the safe return to driving for an individual following an alcohol-related driving offence but are also readily available for commercial and private use. 

What are the Advantages of Having an Alcohol Interlock Device Installed in Your Vehicle?

While the installation of an alcohol interlock device is not compulsory, its installation provides the individual or business a number of advantages, making its use a wise choice for safety-conscious groups who may be susceptible to the negative implications of driving while intoxicated. 

• Private Advantages 

We Australians are known for our preference to enjoy a drink after a day at work, on a sunny Saturday afternoon, or at any time that may take our fancy! However, the temptation to drink and drive that so many of us face comes in direct opposition to the road safety that we all wish to uphold. The consumption of alcohol is known to impair one’s coordination and reflexes, regardless of how experienced the driver is. However, the installation of an alcohol interlock eliminates this temptation, providing themselves and their community an additional barrier before risking their safety. 

Additionally, we at Guardian Interlock recognise that alcoholism is a battle that many Australians face each day, and we recommend the installation of an alcohol interlock system to assist you in tackling this issue from the ground up. By removing the risk of driving while under the influence of alcohol, the peace of mind of the individual’s family is ensured, serving as an effective rehabilitation tool. 

• Occupational Obligations

As an employer, your staff may be required to maintain a blood alcohol limit of zero to ensure your firm adheres to its legal obligations. While a blood alcohol limit of 0.05 is enforced for fully licensed drivers on Australian roads, the majority of the nation’s regional authorities require commercial drivers to maintain a BAC of 0.00. The installation of an alcohol ignition interlock serves as an effective tool in ensuring the WHS policies your firm faces are aligned with the measures that you implement to ensure you operate both effectively and with respect to the communities you operate within. 

Alternatively, your firm may obligate your employees to maintain a Blood Alcohol Limit of 0.00 as a matter of principle for their performance, as is commonplace within sporting organisations. To ensure the reputation of your firm remains strong and improve the performance of your employees, the installation of an alcohol interlock is a wise decision. 

Costs Associated with Interlocked Devices

While only a select few types of alcohol interlocks are approved for use within Australia, following a series of functionality and quality testing, its cost of installation varies depending on the relevant state authority the individual abides within. The interlock device cost at Guardian Interlock includes an initial installation cost and first-month lease fee and is charged on a monthly leasing fee thereafter. While device costs are subject to state variation, complying with your interlock program rules will ensure the interlock device cost is kept to a minimum. 

Choose Guardian Interlock for your Alcohol Interlock Program! 

At Guardian Interlock, we understand you have options for an alcohol interlock system. Guardian Interlock is an Australian independent, family-owned firm that has provided over 20 years of alcohol ignition interlock services to individuals safety-conscious individuals, private companies, and state authorities.

Guardian Interlock provides alcohol interlocks for private and commercial customers who voluntarily install a Guardian alcohol interlock. These customers range from businesses enhancing their road safety posture to private individuals who believe they may be susceptible to problematic drinking and driving.

Guardian offers flexible payment options for private interlocks, including outright purchase, rent to buy or lease to ensure the alcohol installation cost is accessible to all. Feel free to contact our friendly Guardian team for personalised quotes on private and commercial interlock device costs. Whether for offender programs or private/commercial use, the best way to keep costs down is to follow your provided User Manual/Compliance Guide to avoid additional servicing costs.

Guardian understands your need for a vehicle, whether for work, commuting, family, or other responsibilities. We’re dedicated to assisting clients to remain compliant and on the road. That is why our customer care representatives are available to take your calls 8.30 am-5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. We also have an Emergency assistance line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please bear in mind that during COVID-19, the number of enquiries has increased, so delays may be experienced.

Guardian Interlock is one of Australia’s most reputable interlock suppliers, with locations in every state in Australia. Therefore, you can be confident that your Guardian-approved service centre is qualified for interlock device installation, servicing and removing interlock devices, and our devices comply with your state’s regulations. Email admin@guardianinterlock.com.au or call 1300 881 005 today to get started with your alcohol interlock program.