Citation

Freeman J, Liossis P. Proc. Australas. Road Safety Res. Policing Educ. Conf. 2002; 6(2): 71-76.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, copyright holder varies, Publisher Monash University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A trial of court mandated alcohol ignition interlocks is currently being implemented in South-East Queensland. The study aims to determine whether the device in combination with a drink driving rehabilitation program is more effective than the rehabilitation program alone in reducing drink driving recidivism. This paper focuses on participants' self-reported perceptions and experiences of using interlocks. Initial findings regarding the impact of interlocks on convicted offenders' drinking, driving and drink driving behaviour(s) will be reported. The reliability of the self-report data will be reviewed in comparison to the downloaded interlock recordings, and the group's perceptions regarding the purpose and effectiveness of interlocks as a sentencing option are examined. Although a very small sample size of nine participants makes firm conclusions difficult, early results indicate successful interlock operation to be associated with both a willingness and ability to be able to reduce drinking levels.