Car Breathalyzers Don’t Prevent Violence, Just Drunk Driving

The number one cause of a drunk driving incident is a drunk driver, which is why there are car breathalyzers and ignition interlock devices. Alcohol impairs your judgment, and the more you drink, the more likely you are to miscalculate your level of intoxication. Car breathalyzers are recommended after a DUI because you cannot argue with a device that has no doubt you’re drunk, and you’re certainly not going to be driving if that’s the case.

Unfortunately, there are other crimes that alcohol factors into that can’t be stopped by a car breathalyzer. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) reports that alcohol was a factor in 40% of all violent crimes, including murder, intimate partner  and domestic violence, assault and more. Binge drinking, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence all add into the criminal behaviors we see each day, and for some, the presence of alcohol can be deadly.

Most people are able to make the responsible choice to not drink and drive or to find a sober ride home, eliminating the possibility of an accident, injury or death. But, with the statistics that link crime and alcohol together, it’s impossible to forget that even without a car, an intoxicated person can be a danger to us all.

So many law-abiding people enjoy the ability to drink a few beers with friends and relax at the end of a hard day. When alcohol is consumed responsibly, there is no price to pay. Still, too many people continue to drink and then drive or commit violent crimes, all because of the influence of alcohol. With more education, treatment programs and tools like car breathalyzers and ignition interlock devices, there can be fewer tragedies on our roads, in our homes and in our communities.