There is a strange peace that comes after you’ve had your day in court, especially after a drunk driving conviction. There’s no more guessing; you know you have to, at least, pay some money, possibly perform some community service and you have a car breathalyzer or ignition interlock requirement. Now that you are past the wondering and fear of it all, you get to move ahead in your life.
Then, you realize that each time you start your car, your ignition interlock is essentially judging your sobriety. Your heart may pound as it takes a while to get used to the device during both the start-up and the rolling re-tests, especially since the required breathing technique takes practice. Add into that frustration a head cold, a vigorous workout or any reason your breath isn’t quite up to par, and that “abort” on your ignition interlock can be enough to convince you to just walk to your destination.
Just remember: don’t panic, its just an ignition interlock device.
When you’re anxious or in a panicked mindset, your breath will be shorter and could affect your test. Much like if you had just run a 5K and tried to immediately drive away with your prize. With an ignition interlock, the breath required to pass your test must be alcohol-free, of course, and it must also be steady enough to be a “hum.” If you keep seeing the “abort” on your interlock, it just means you need to submit a better breath sample… not that alcohol was detected.
If this seems a lot like your life with your ignition interlock, the best thing you can do is just relax, and take a few calming breaths for yourself. Easier said than done, we know, but the only reason you should ever worry about your ignition interlock test is if you have been drinking alcohol. An ignition interlock makes it easy to get back on the road after a drunk driving conviction, so make it easy on yourself, too, and just relax before you blow.
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