Citation

Karki OV. Proc. Int. Counc. Alcohol Drugs Traffic Safety Conf. 2002; 2002: 125-130.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, The author(s) and the Council, Publisher International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the possibilities of using an ignition interlock in tackling drink-driving and of further implementing a field trial on interlocks in Finland. The following aspects were considered in the study: target groups, legal and technical requirements, acceptance, costs and accident reduction potential. It was suggested that a field trial on the interlocks for DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) offenders be conducted. The target group for the prospective field trial would comprise DUI offenders who have had a provisional driving licence suspension. The field trial would be voluntary-based and user-paid. A law should be introduced to enable the use of a vehicle equipped with an interlock inside the borders of Finland for a 3-year, fixed-term probationary period. The interlock usage-time would correspond with the original driving suspension. It was estimated that fewer than 10% of first time aggravated DUI offenders or recidivists would volunteer for the trial. Recidivists would benefit most from the interlock use. It was estimated that a 3-year field trial, with 50 DUI recidivists participating at a time, would prevent at least one personal injury and over 170 000 driving-kilometres over 0.5 BAC (blood alcohol concentration).