This study was done to (1) determine the proportion of drunk-driving offenders who elected to enrol in an interlock program in order to get their licenses reinstated early, and (2) determine the effect of the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) on recidivism rates of first and second drunk-driving offenders while a unit was on their vehicles and after it had been removed. The records of 35,822 drivers who committed drunk-driving offenses between January 1, 1990, and March 31, 1996, were examined to compare 137 first-time offenders and 761 second-time offenders who participated in the interlock program with all other comparable offenders in the state of West Virginia. During the 12 months that second DUI offenders had the interlock on their vehicles, their reoffense rate was 1.6% compared to 6.4% for comparable offenders without interlocks. However, after removal of the interlock, program participants had no better or even worse recidivism records. Programs are needed to assist offenders in continuing the good nondrinking and driving habits forced on them while an alcohol interlock unit is in place. (Author/publisher).
Abstract