ignition interlock dui study

Washington Driver Study Suggests Ignition Interlock Devices Prevent Deaths

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on March 29, 2012

A study of Washington drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests that requiring all drivers convicted of DUI to have ignition interlock devices installed on their cars or trucks could decrease the number of injuries and deaths caused by drunk driving auto accidents on U.S. roads each year.

The study examined ignition interlock devices that were installed on vehicles after a driver was convicted of a first DUI offense, regardless of his or her BAC at the time of the arrest. In most states, ignition interlock devices are only required for a second or later conviction for DUI, or for cases in which the driver’s BAC was more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent at the time of arrest. The study followed the drivers with and without ignition interlock devices to see whether they suffered a later drunk driving accident and/or were arrested again on suspicion of drunk driving. Read the rest »