Drunk driving is a serious problem in the United States. Of fatal accidents in 2009, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calculated that 32 percent involved alcohol-impaired drivers and more than 181 children were killed due to drivers who were drunk. These are innocent victims whose lives were affected by an irresponsible drunk driver. More and more, local communities are depending on an integrated community-based approach to sanction offenders.
In Suffolk County, NY, The Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated (STOP-DWI) program has helped reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities and injuries in New York State. According to the Suffolk County Government website, the program requires the county government to implement a yearly plan of action that addresses impaired enforcement, prosecution, probation, rehabilitation, public information and education. What’s unique is that the program is supported by fines collected from the people convicted of alcohol and/or drug related traffic infractions in that county. The program is completely funded by drunk drivers, allowing the county to step up prosecution, conduct rehabilitation and education activities, implement an active public awareness campaign and add extra police patrols and DWI checkpoints – all on the offenders’ dime.
But law enforcement agents in New York are now voicing concern over a new application for smartphones that is capable of pinpointing DWI checkpoints, speed traps and red light cameras using GPS data. The technology gives drunk drivers the ability to escape detection. New York State Senator, Charles Schumer, questioned the legality and morality of these apps at the inaugural hearing of the Privacy and Technology Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee back in March. The Senator was instrumental in getting Blackberry makers, Research in Motion, to remove these apps from their smartphones. However, Google and Apple are still refusing to remove the apps from the Android and iPhone, insisting that the applications do not violate their terms of service.
Of course, the ability to evade DWI checkpoints using a smartphone app is not the kind of integrated community-based approach that the NHTSA had in mind. But an innovative vending machine manufacturer in Holbrook, NY, has designed a product that can help fight drunk driving on the community level. Alco-Buddy, the revolutionary new alcohol breathalyzer vending machine, is quickly becoming a valuable tool to help communities reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road without having to increase police patrol. The concept is simple. Business owners who serve alcohol in their establishments allow distributors to install the vending machine on their wall, free of charge. In return, the distributor splits a percentage of the Alco-Buddy’s profits with the business owner. It’s a win/win situation that also helps drinkers determine whether they’re too intoxicated to get behind the wheel before leaving the establishment. What’s more is that the Alco-Buddy is also equipped to boldly display taxi and limo service information, making it simple for drinkers to find an alternative way home.
With the increase of drunk driving arrests and convictions in combination with the latest alcohol related accident statistics, it’s clear to see why a product such as the Alco-Buddy can benefit the entire community. It not only brings a distinctive novelty to the local bars, pubs and restaurants, but it also makes the roads safer for everyone. To find out more about the Alco-Buddy and related products, visit www.alcobuddy.com or call 1.888.925.2628
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