Kh. Beck et al., Effects of ignition interlock license restrictions on drivers with multiple alcohol offenses: A randomized trial in Maryland, AM J PUB HE, 89(11), 1999, pp. 1696-1700
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Public Health & Health Care Science","Envirnomentale Medicine & Public Health","Medical Research General Topics
Objectives. This investigation sought to test the effectiveness of a statew
ide ignition interlock license restriction program for drivers with multipl
e alcohol-related traffic offenses.
Methods. A total of 1387 multiple offenders eligible for license reinstatem
ent were randomly assigned to participate in an ignition interlock program
(experimental group) or in the conventional postlicensing treatment program
(control group). The arrest rates of these 2 groups for alcohol traffic of
fenses were compared for 1 year during the ignition interlock license restr
iction program and for 1 year after unrestricted driving privileges were re
turned.
Results. Participation in the interlock program reduced offenders' risk of
committing an alcohol traffic violation within the first year by about 65%.
The alcohol traffic violation rate during the first year was significantly
less for participants in the interlock program (2.4%) than for those in th
e control group (6.7%). However, there was no statistically significant dif
ference between these groups in the second year, after the interlock licens
e restriction was lifted.
Conclusions. Ignition interlock license restriction programs are effective
at reducing recidivism among drivers with multiple alcohol offenses, at lea
st while the restriction is in effect.