The following is an excerpt of an article that appeared in the Winter 2006 issue of MOVE magazine. To order a back copy of this issue or to subscribe contact AAMVA at (703) 522-4200.
By Lauren DeAngelis
When he was convicted of impaired driving in 2004, Virginia resident Christopher F. looked at his sentencing as a way to change his lifestyle. If he wanted to keep driving, Christopher was required by the court to use an ignition interlock, an in-car alcohol breath screening device that prevents a vehicle from starting if it detects a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over a pre-set limit.
“I said, ‘There’s got to be a reason for this [interlock],’” Christopher recalls. “I’ve got to look at this as something positive that’s going change my life.’ And it has.”
During his year-long required interlock period, Christopher did not once have an ignition failure due to alcohol. And not only did the device keep him from driving impaired, but he says it also changed his long-term habits.
“It was just a situation where I had gotten comfortable with coming home from work and having a couple of drinks just to relax after a long day,” Christopher said of his previous lifestyle. “Now I realize I need to curb that activity.”
Since interlock programs began 20 years ago, they have become more prevalent and sophisticated. Christopher is one of about 70,000 Americans who have the device installed in their vehicles. While some experiences, as in his case, can make a true impact, other programs lack the provisions necessary to affect most convicted drunk drivers. Public agencies and researchers continue to search for ways to improve interlock programs and deter drunk driving.
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Ignition interlock devices may help reduce drunk driving, but are interlock programs and laws working to their full potential?
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