The Netherlands Transport Research Centre (AVV) of the Dutch Ministry of Public Works commissioned the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research to perform a study into alcohol locks. These locks are breathalysers which are fitted between the ignition and the starting motor of a car. Although the idea of fitting an alcohol lock originated in the early 1960s, the equipment has been technically perfected since that time. The present generation of alcohol locks is equipped with advanced devices in order to prevent deception. Some countries have already imposed quality standards on alcohol locks. Experience abroad has taught that alcohol locks are effective in the short term. The literature reports extensively about various alcohol lock programmes conducted in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In The Netherlands, there is a need for an alternative method to tackle drink driving. The notorious offender should not only have an alcohol lock fitted in his car, but should also be intensively supervised by a social worker. It was concluded that it would be of benefit to conduct an experiment with alcohol locks in The Netherlands. Sufficient knowledge is available to design an experiment linked to an effectivity study. This experiment would only be useful, however, if the user is also subjected to intensive supervision. (A)
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