Frequently Asked Questions

Determinator DS-904® School Bus Model

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What does the Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 look like?

How does the Sens-O-Lock for school buses work?

Why should my school district use Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 devices?

Are my school district's buses equipped with Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 devices?

Does my state have laws about ignition interlock devices and school buses?

Is there a limit to the number of times the breath test can be attempted?

How do I find out more about the Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 device?

What about incorrect test results as in false positives or false negatives?

Couldn't prescription drugs interfere with test results?

Can the Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 unit for school buses be disabled?

How can I place an order for Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 units for school buses?

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ANSWERS

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What does the Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 look like?

The device

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How does the Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 for school buses work?

• All testing is done prior to boarding children.
• Units have a supervisor's override key used by yard starters to start buses before the arrival of drivers and to move buses in and out of service garages.
• Once the driver enters the bus they are instructed to take the test before moving the bus. All testing is done prior to boarding children.
• There are no random rolling testing for school buses as in other types of vehicles to allow for maximum attention to safety and driving issues while children are aboard.
• The unit recognizes periods when buses are parked (adjustable due to circumstances) and requests another breath test prior to further driving. This applies to situations such as lunch breaks or waiting periods. All testing is done prior to boarding children.
• If a driver fails the test or does not take the test, the unit triggers the bus horn and flashing lights until the unit is shut off. The bus cannot be driven again until a bus company manager uses the supervisor's override key or is started by a driver free of any alcohol.
• The unit's computer logs bus identification, assigned driver and test data that is downloadable and printable by the supervisor. Any attempt at tampering with the unit registers in this data log as well.

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Why should my school district use Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 devices?

Aside from reducing parents' worries about the safety of their children riding school buses, there are time and money consequences for school districts involved in having school bus drivers convicted of operating a school bus under the influence of alcohol.

A New York State school bus company had two drivers convicted of drunk driving offenses while driving school buses. Following an inquiry by New York State, the company had their license suspended for two months. In addition to receiving a mountain of negative publicity, the financial consequences were grave because they lost two major contracts with area school districts during the suspension. The affected school districts were forced to spend unplanned time and money locating alternative, safe transportation for their students.

The Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 for buses is the only ignition interlock system with special features for school buses. Sens-O-Lock Distribution of New England, Ltd. is committed to providing the highest degree of safety for children as well as the highest degree of convenience to school systems, bus yards and the driver. No other ignition interlock device offers the special features built into the Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 for school buses.

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Are my school district's buses equipped with Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 devices?

Since the concept of ignition interlock devices for school buses is so new, probably not. Some school districts are looking into this technology as per the upcoming School Bus Ignition Interlock law in New York State.

Please call your school district's transportation yard and ask whether your child is protected by Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 ignition interlock system.

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Does my state have laws about ignition interlock devices on school buses?

As of August 1, 2007, New York is the first state to be consider legislation requiring ignition interlock devices on school buses.

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Is there a limit to the number of times the breath test can be attempted?

Yes, the driver has four attempts to complete a 6 second blow at 1.5 pounds of air pressure to provide a deep lung sample.

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How do I find out more about the Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 device?

By contacting Sens-O-Lock Distribution of New England, Ltd. at 518- 435-1099 or by emailing us at info@sens-o-lock.com.

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What about incorrect test results as in false positives or false negatives?

To date, there have been no reported such problems.

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Couldn't my prescription drugs interfere with test results?

To date, there have been no known problems with this.

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Can the Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 device for school buses be disabled?

The unit can only be disabled by supervisors. Drivers of vehicles with mandated units, school bus units and truck units cannot disable the device. The device includes a computer which records startup, test, and driving data. This log is downloadable and can only be accessed by a supervisor.

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How much does a Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 unit for buses cost?

For pricing information, call 1-518-435-1099 or email us at info@sens-o-lock.com for more information.

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How can I place an order for Sens-O-Lock Determinator DS-904 units for school buses?

For pricing information, call 1-518-435-1099 or email us at info@sens-o-lock.com for more information.

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