Insult to Injury: I’m Hurt and Can’t Drive My Vehicle with an Ignition Interlock Device

Accidents happen, whether you’re out driving, on the job or at home, all of which can really disrupt your ability to keep up your daily tasks. After all, a broken toe can make it hard to walk, not to mention drive. If you have an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car, you want to always be sure that you’re sober when driving, and in some cases, that you’re driving enough to prove that you take the requirement seriously. Some states will see a lack of miles, starts and stops from your IID data as an indication that you’re just out there, driving a car without an interlock… not that you’re hurt and unable to drive for a while.

If you’re hurt and you can’t drive your vehicle, you want to be sure that you don’t find yourself in trouble with the court after your accident or injury. Any changes to your driving habits that will affect your commitment to sober driving and your IID need to be immediately reported to your ignition interlock service provider and the agency overseeing your requirement. Otherwise, you could be under the microscope, in a sense, with questions about how you’re getting around. That’s the last thing you need if you’ve been hurt, injured or in an accident… more worrying about how to get everything done.

Without a doubt, the last thing on your mind when you’re hurt is trying to drink and drive. But, you are still responsible for fulfilling the consequences of your drunk driving conviction and your IID requirements. If anything, the insult to your injury would be an extension of your ignition interlock requirement or being found ineligible for the device and without a legal driver’s license. No injury is worth that much hurt, and all it takes is a phone call or two to keep yourself recovering from your drunk driving conviction and the effects of an accident beyond your control.