An investigation of the effects of an alcohol ignition interlock program was performed in Maryland. More than 1,380 multiple alcohol offenders whose driver's license was either suspended or revoked for multiple alcohol offences and who were eligible for license reinstatement after undergoing a variety of treatment programs were randomly assigned to participate in the usual post licensure treatment program (control group) or to an experimental ignition interlock program. Participants in the interlock program were given an alcohol restriction on their driver's licenses indicating they could only drive a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock. If they owned a car, they were required to have the device installed within 45 days for a period of one year, or if they did not own one they had to sign a waiver that they would not drive a car unless it was so equipped. The alcohol-related traffic arrest rate of these two groups was compared for one year following program assignment. The alcohol traffic violation arrest rate was significantly lower for participants in the interlock program compared to participants in the control program. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of their significance for operating an effective administrative ignition interlock program. (Author/publisher)
Abstract