The Center for Disease control has recently released a report that ignition interlock devices help prevent repeat DWI offenders from being re-arrested. CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., MPH states that “Each day, more than 30 people die because of alcohol-impaired driving. We know that interlock devices can save lives.”
The CDC’s Community Guide bases their findings on a review of 15 scientific studies. They found that after an ignition interlock device was installed, re-arrests decreased by a median of 67% with drivers that had suspended licenses.
These devices were created to prevent someone from driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) above a certain level. This level is normally between 0.02 and 0.04 grams per deciliter. The minimum level in all states is .08 grams per deciliter. Once installed in a vehicle, the device takes a sample of the driver’s breath before the vehicle can be started, and takes periodic checks on the driver’s breath while the vehicle is in operation.
The use of interlock devices are used to prevent impaired drivers that have already been convicted of a DWI from committing a repeat offense. They are often ordered by the court, or are used as an alternative to a suspended license.
As of December 2010, 13 states require interlock devices for repeat offenders. More than half the states require the use of an interlock device for offenders with multiple offenses or extremely high blood alcohol levels at the time of arrest.