Is the Ignition Interlock Device Effective In Preventing DUIs?

Drunk driving has been an ongoing issue for many people in the U.S and lawmakers have tried many things to reduce the risks of drunk driving. The courts and motor vehicle departments have used fines, jail terms, and driver's license suspensions to control DUI repeat offenders. Recently technology has been developed like the ignition interlock device (IID) that are being used by lawmakers and the courts to prevent repeat offenders from drunk driving. However, many people want to know: How effective is the IID? Does it reduce the risk of drunk driving in repeat offenders?



IIDs are installed in the car and measure the amount of alcohol on a driver's breath. The driver gives a breath sample and if the instrument detects alcohol, the car will not start. These instruments were developed in the 1960s, however, it wasn't until recent years that these instruments have been widely accepted and implemented by the courts. Many states have used IIDs, but California was the first state to enact legislation that authorized judges to order DUI offenders to install IIDs. California was also the first state in which the ignition interlock program was evaluated.



Studies in various states have been conducted to see whether or not IIDs are effective in reducing the reoccurrence of drunk driving. The results of these studies have been mixed, although they do suggest that IIDs have reduced reoccurrences in DUI offenders. However, the IID has to remain in the vehicle. However, once the IID is removed from the car, the chances of another DUI incident occurring goes back up. This suggests that IIDs are not going to actually change people's behavior. It only prevents them from driving their own car when they're drunk. They're going to continue to drink whether or not the instrument is installed.



Back in September 2005 a series of studies on the IID were conducted and a report was released by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in California. Researchers concluded that IIDs can be effective at reducing the occurrence of subsequent DUIs. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the courts did not always order drunk driving offenders to install an IID. Technically, the IID is effective, but it's the actual program that is not effective.



Based on the results of this September 2005 study, the researchers offered these recommendations to improve the program:



1. An improved monitoring system for DUI offenders ordered by judges to install an IID. It's up to the courts to be consistent in ordering these devices to be installed. Installing the IID does have a significant effect in reducing DUIs.



2. Allow repeat drunk driving offenders the chance to reinstate their driver's license if they install the IID in their car. This gives repeat offenders incentive to put the device in their car. Also, another incentive to encourage offenders to install an IID is to reduce the period of license suspension.



3. If a person is caught without an IID in their car, they could have their vehicle impounded. This applies to those people restricted to driving an IID-equipped vehicle.



4. Conduct research on the use of the IID and find more effective programs to implement these devices. The California Department of Motor Vehicles should take the initiative of leading this task force and finding the resources to fund it.



5. Do not emphasize the use of the IID for first-time offenders. Currently there is no evidence that the device is effective at reducing the reoccurrence of a DUI in first-time offenders.



6. Continue to support the law that requires judges to order DUI offenders to install the IID in their vehicle.



The ignition interlock device is not going to be the key to completely wipe out drunk driving. However, preventative measures combined with consistent action is a step in the right direction. It's up to the courts to "lay down the law" and make sure every repeat offender uses these devices.



Maria Palma is a freelance writer committed to helping people with their DUI in San Diego. Make sure to hire a professional and experienced San Diego DUI attorney.