Driving under the influence of alcohol charges in Texas may lead people to experience some harsh penalties due to the dangers associated with impaired driving.
Oddly enough, one of the penalties some drivers face after a DUI conviction in Texas may well open the door to yet another dangerous behavior.
DISTRACTED DRIVING TAKES MANY FORMS
As explained by the AAA Exchange, distracted driving may involve not only manual distractions that remove one or both of a driver’s hands from the steering wheel or controls, but also visual and cognitive distractions. Those activities that create manual, visual, and cognitive distractions simultaneously may be the most dangerous of all.
IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES FORCE DISTRACTED DRIVING
Car and Driver magazine indicates that ignition interlock devices have been linked to multiple vehicle crashes when drivers using the IIDs were forced to take tests while driving. Called rolling retests, these tests happen at random times, and drivers are provided but a few minutes to complete them. Failure to complete or pass a rolling retest may lead to further problems for drivers.
In a rolling retest, a driver must first read the display on the unit when it provides the signal to take the test. Then, the driver must hold the unit in one hand while providing a strong breath sample. During all phases of the rolling retest, the driver must pay close attention to every prompt and step so as to ensure compliance with the test process.
A driver in Texas may have no option but to install and use an ignition interlock device if he or she wishes to reinstate driving privileges after a DUI.