This paper describes the development and field testing of an in-vehicle recording unit, the Autotimer, designed to control illegal driving by convicted drink-drivers in the USA. The need for such a recorder arises from the reluctance of many courts to suspend the driving licences of offenders, because of concern that they may lose their jobs or affect innocent members of their families. An Autotimer can be placed in a tamper-proof position in a car, and monitor the hours and days of car use, so that any driving at illegal times is immediately revealed. Field tests have been conducted in two US communities; Autotimers were placed in the cars of over 200 offenders for periods of 6 to 18 months. To participate in the trial, an offender had to be considered eligible by the court and accept the installation of the Autotimer in his car. Autotimer readers for each car were checked by a qualified official once a month; both the driver and his counsellor received copies of its record. The Autotimer's performance exceeded expectations. It is difficult to interfere with, and forces the offender into a living as well as a driving pattern. The programme is strengthened by the accountability of its monthly checks.
Abstract