Are Ignition Interlocks effective?
Most alcohol impaired driving offenders choose to drive illegally with a suspended or revoked license. An Interlock Program provides a control mechanism to prevent them from driving intoxicated. The goals of an interlock program are as follows: • The primary goal is to protect public safety. This is accomplished by having the driver pass a breath alcohol test before starting their vehicle. Today’s technology makes it virtually impossible to trick or fool the Interlock. The device will prevent the vehicle from starting unless an acceptable breath sample is provided. Studies indicate that less than 2% of offenders are re-arrested for alcohol-impaired driving while on an Interlock Program. In nearly every case the offender was driving a vehicle without an Interlock. • A second goal is to prevent recidivism, the re-arrest of an offender who has completed an Interlock Program and regained an unrestricted driving privilege. Recent studies indicate that up to 90% of interlock graduates succes
