There have been few, if any, true controlled studies of the alcohol interlock device and its effect on repeat DUI. A five year cooperative study between the Pacific Institute, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation of Ottawa, Guardian Interlock Systems, and the Alberta Driver Control Board is now underway in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada. A new mandatory interlock law in Alberta requires all repeat DUI offenders to drive for 12 or more months with an interlock after a period of mandatory suspension. In a two city comparison, the impact of frequent contact with health and social services coordinators, is being evaluated. Calgary based repeat offenders receive such services while Edmonton based offenders do not. based offenders do not. Monthly calibration calls to the service center provide an occasion for meetings between case managers and offenders. Discussion content, driving records, and data from the interlock event recorder are used to help identify human service needs. In a separate study, the impact of the interlock per se on driving among a sample of first offenders is also underway. A sample size of 750 per group is planned for the repeat offender study. Project implementation, sample characterization, and initial process data will be available for presentation in August. (A)
Samenvatting