We recently had the opportunity to have an interview with Don Prudente, owner of Drive Safe Ignition Interlock of New York.

Can you give us a brief company history and how you got the idea to start the company?

I first started the Ignition Interlock Company in 1994 in Suffolk County New York with my uncle Pete. After my uncle Pete passed away I worked for a company called National Inerlock Service, after that I worked for a company call Smart Start. Not being happy working for Smart Start I started my own company which is called "DriveSafe Ignition Interlock of New York, Inc." in August 2005. We are currently using the Draeger Ignition Interlock which is one of the best interlocks available world wide.

Are you looking to expand in other markets in the state of New York?

Yes, I am currently expanding in the state of New York. I have two Ignition Interlock shops upstate in New York. The Albany Shop is called DriveSafe Ignition Interlock of New York, Inc doing bussiness under Auto Medics. The owner is Jerry Kallner and the address is 26B Yardboro Ave Albany, New York 12205 Jerry installs and does the Monthly Service for my clients. Then there is DriveSafe Ignition Interlock of New York, Inc doing bussiness under Audio Man Owner is Rick Slouck and the address of that shop is 79 Glenwood Ave Binghamton, New York 13905 all new clients must call the Head Office in Nassau County for there installation appointment at 516-942-4741. We will also soon be offering an 800 number for easier access. We are also considering other markets and welcome discussions with other vendors interested in talking with us.

Are you looking to expand into other states?

No, not directly. However, clients that have the Draeger Ignition Interlock Unit installed into there vehicles can be serviced anywhere in any State in the US. There are over 400 Draeger Ignition Interlock shops within the 50 States.

What?s your feeling on whether all states should pass similar laws and require Ignition Interlock devices?

Most States already have ignition interlock programs going. If a client moves to another State it will be very easy for them to get there interlock serviced by Draeger.

Do you see the day when Ignition Interlocks will be federally mandated?

In my opinion, this is better left up to the individual states. Like I stated before, most states mandat now or are in the process of moving toward mandating the use of ignition interlocks for 1st, 2nd and multible DUI offenders.

Any other comments?

DriveSafe Ignition Interlock of New York, Inc has more than 15 years of experience serving the public and helping keep (NY) New York roads safer. We decided the next logical step was to launch our website located at Drive Safe New York and have taken our vision to the next level. If anyone has any questions, be sure to take a look at our FAQ page here at the website, or see our contact information page.