When MADD started a nationwide push for interlocks for every drunk driver in 2006, only one state, New Mexico, required the use of ignition interlocks for all drunk drivers. Today, 34 states and Washington, D.C. have enacted all-offender interlock laws. For more What MADD’s Advocacy for Ignition Interlocks Accomplished since 2006
than 14 years, MADD has successfully advocated for passage of over a hundred laws aimed at improving the implementation of laws throughout the United States.
EFFECTIVENESS OF IGNITION INTERLOCKS
Reduce repeat drunk driving offenses by 67% while the device is installed compared to license suspension alone. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011) Mandatory laws for all convicted drunk drivers reduce deaths by 16 percent (Insurance Institute for Auto and Highway Safety, 2018). Interlock is more effective than license suspension alone, as 50% to 75% of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license. (Nichols and Ross, 1990)
FIGURE 1.0
TOP FIVE STATES WITH THE MOST DRUNK DRIVING STOPS BY AN INTERLOCK
2006 to 2020
2020
Texas
371,345 357,946 298,401 184,148 147,435
Texas
34,367 28,281 28,078 26,989 17,835
Wisconsin California
Wisconsin California
Iowa
Iowa
Washington
Arkansas
Discussion
on the interlock until the driver learns how to drive sober again. The threat of extra time on the interlock could deter people from trying to drive drunk with a BAC of .08 or greater
As Texas and California have large populations, it is logical that these states are in the top five. But why do ignition interlocks stop so many drunk driving attempts in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Arkansas? The most likely answer is these three states lack a compliance-based removal aspect to their law. With a compliance-based law, multiple interlock device violations extend the time
6 Ignition Interlock Report
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