SafeKey is a unique ignition key immobilizer that prevents a vehicle engine from starting if the driver is impaired and unfit to drive. In addition to making sure the driver is not intoxicated, the system is also ideal for those drivers that may be susceptible to medical conditions, memory issues and fatigue.
SafeKey operates on the basic principle that impaired behavior, due to fatigue, medical conditions, consumption of alcohol or other drugs, can be measured directly by assessing a person's increased response time to a given stimulus. The higher the impairment, the longer the response delay. This increased response time inhibits an individual's ability to drive safely. The SafeKey solution is providing a rapid assessment of the driver's hand-eye coordination before allowing the vehicle's engine to start.
When the driver uses SafeKey's key fob, a series of lights are flashed randomly and the user simply replies to the flashing lights. If the replies are rapid enough so minimal impairment is not detected, the car can be started. However, if not, after three failed tries, the user must wait an hour to try again.
The Check Module is a simple keychain key fob. The driver reacts to the rapidly-changing light pattern by pressing the buttons immediately adjacent to the light sources. It’s a fun game and takes about 2.5 seconds.
Once passed, the Check Module releases the ignition Immobilizer, allowing the driver to start the car.
Bonus Anti-Theft Feature: Vehicle thieves won’t have the command module or don’t understand how to use it cannot start the car.
No monthly fees to use the SafeKey basic system.
Installation
ADVANCED to PROFESSIONAL: To install the system yourself, order SafeKey without an Installation Card. Vehicle wiring knowledge is required. Order the SafeKey with an Installation Card to have an expert install your system. Go online and activate the InstallCard that comes with your system, and follow the instructions to be connected with one of SafeKey’s authorized installers. There are more than 6,000 installers in 3,000 locations throughout the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Connection
The Check Module is battery operated. The Immobilizer is installed in your car.
The Process
The process is simple. If you pass, you are allowed to drive. If you fail, you'll have to wait an hour to try again. Further, if a car thief does not have the Check Module – or know how to use it, the thief cannot start the car.
STEP ONE
Press the CHECK button to start the impairment test.
STEP TWO
Follow the flashing lights.
The CHECK button activates the colored light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to rapidly flash in a fully random fashion. The user reacts to the rapidly-changing light pattern by pressing the buttons immediately adjacent to the light sources. It only takes about 2.5 seconds
STEP THREE
If the test is passed, the engine can be started.
If the person checking their respective level of eye-hand coordination responds accurately and rapidly enough, the "OK" LED will flash and the tone generator will beep a "positive" performance. Under this circumstance, the driver has 10 seconds to use the key to start the automobile's engine. On the other hand, if the Check Module detects that the operator has not responded appropriately, the engine Immobilizer will not permit the starter to function.
Since "honest fumbles" will occasionally occur even when unimpaired, the SafeKey will allow several opportunities to retry the test. If, however, after the third opportunity the test is not passed, the CHECK cannot be retried for an hour in order to allow the user an opportunity to gain further driving competence.
Arthritis
