Citation

Glaskin M. Vis. Zero Int. 2010; 2010(Jun): 48-51.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, UKIP Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Attitudes in the USA to alcohol ignition interlocks (alcolocks) are explored. Once alcolocks are fitted to a vehicle ignition, they enforce the strict limits decreed by legislators, stopping the ignition from working of the driver exceeds that limit. They are successful in helping the offender to separate driving from drinking alcohol. With most US States now allowing courts to impose alcolocks, their use has mushroomed and it is anticipated that 500,000 will be in use on US vehicles by 2016. In New Mexico, a reduction in alcohol-involved crashes of 44% over six years has been achieved, giving the State an average value for US States. However when alcolocks are removed, people's previous drinking and driving habits often return. In some States if users fail their alcolock tests, the period of alcolock usage is extended. In some cases other uses of the car have failed the test but this cannot be identified unless the alcolock is designed to identify the user. Professional manufacturers with more sophisticated technology are at a disadvantage if their products can be undermined on the market. The cost of fitting and monitoring an interlock is considered after the costs resulting from a conviction and decided to be too expensive. Denmark is set to join Finland as European countries that allow courts to impose alcolocks on drink driving offenders. In the UK it is assumed that vehicle manufacturers may offer the devices as an option on their vehicles or that employers with drink driving policies may have them fitted to their vehicle fleets.