Ignition Interlock Summit helps states in the fight against drunk driving

Last year, 10,839 people died because of alcohol-related car crashes.

Although this number declined 7.4 percent from 2008 to 2009, none of these deaths ever should have happened. And even a single death due to drunk driving is one too many.

This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Centers for Disease Control met with members of the Governors Highway Safety Association for a National Ignition Interlock Summit. This was a full-day work session to help state safety professionals figure out how to get a handle on drunk driving.

This crash was 100% preventable

Impaired driving is involved in 32 percent of all crashes on American roads. But an ignition interlock system that blocks a convicted drunk driver's vehicle from starting when that driver is impaired can prevent many of those crashes and save lives.

In 2006, MADD launched a Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, calling for increased use of ignition interlocks for impaired driving offenders. The Department of Transportation has been a strong supporter of this campaign, and in the last four years, interlock use has more than doubled from approximately 100,000 in 2006 to 212,000 in 2010.

But that covers only a small percentage of the 1.4 million drunk drivers arrested last year in the US.

Today, all states except Alabama and South Dakota have laws that authorize ignition interlock use for at least some offenders. Yet we know that one-third of those 1.4 million arrests involve repeat offenders, and we know that many fatal drunk driving crashes also involve repeat offenders.

That's why 13 states have passed mandatory ignition interlock laws for all drunk drivers--including first offenders.

And that's why DOT is providing technical assistance and support to help states move toward increasing their interlock use and strengthening their laws and interlock programs.

As I said in September, when I announced the drop in drunk driving deaths, our roads are the safest they've ever been. But, to make America's roads even safer, we are committed to continuing our vigorous fight against drunk driving. Ignition interlock systems are a critical part of that fight, and I urge states to make the best use of this valuable tool.

Comments

[Nydia Picayo]

I understand it will be difficult, but it will help a lot if vehicle manufacturer install this device in all vehicles at the factory. The manufacturers will not like it because it will cost money; however, if one life is saved is well worthy.

[Michael E. Bailey]

Ignition Interlock Systems will save thousands of lives each year and should be made mandatory in every state. This is one of the best programs that has been created to deal with drunk drivers and it could potentially eliminate them off the roads. There should also be heavy fines imposed for any tampering with an installed system. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Eric Myers]

Interesting article. I really enjoyed the map illustration. I live in Washington and was not aware that we were one of the worst states for alcohol related traffic fatalities. I am glad action is being taken nation wide to help protect our drivers and pedestrians!

[DUIClear]

Thanks for posting this. Hopefully the Interlock device will cut down on the number of DUI drunk driving accidents significantly.

[Kim Burns]

Have you noticed that very few Ignition Interlock Companies talk about the device they are leasing!! Are you curious as to why? IS THERE SOMETHING THEY DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW?
If you have to live with an ignition interlock device make sure it is easy to use & reliable. No Humming, suck back mechanisms or juggling acts. i hope that remains functional so you are not stranded.