How effective is an alcohol interlock in preventing risky road user behaviour?

An alcohol interlock programme appears to result in less recidivism than a driving disqualification or revocation of the driving licence. This effect is usually only observed during the period the alcohol lock is present. A Dutch recidivism study shows that an alcohol interlock programme can achieve a reduction of 4% (from 8% to 4%) in the probability of being re-apprehended within two years while having drunk too much alcohol [51]. Swedish track records show that the effects of an alcohol interlock programme may also lead to more lasting behavioural changes, if an integral approach is taken in which the cause of the alcohol problem is also tackled and if medical check-ups continue after the removal of the alcohol interlock [53] [54]. Also see SWOV fact sheet Driving under the influence of alcohol.