Alcohol ignition interlocks in all new vehicles: a broader perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the implications of widespread implementation of alcohol ignition interlocks.


METHODS
We base our discussion on data from Finland including crash statistics and surveys collected from criminal justice professionals and general driving population.


RESULTS
Alcohol ignition interlocks are an effective preventive measure against drunk driving when installed in the vehicles of convicted drunk drivers. However, once they are removed from the vehicles, drivers typically return to their habit of drinking and driving. Furthermore, for a number of reasons, the proportion of convicted drunk drivers that install an interlock in their vehicles is quite small. Therefore, many stakeholders believe that the solution to the drunk driving problem will come when interlocks become standard equipment in all new vehicles. However, drunk driving is a complex sociopsychological problem, and technology can rarely offer a solution to such complex problems. Consequently, many aspects of such interventions might be difficult to identify and include in cost-benefit analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
We express caution about requiring an interlock as standard equipment in all new vehicles.
a Human Factors and Safety Behavior Group, Institute of Behavioral Sciences , University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland.
Igor
I
Radun
Jussi
J
Ohisalo
Sirpa
S
Rajalin
Jenni E
JE
Radun
Mattias
M
Wahde
Timo
T
Lajunen
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001336:Automobiles / Q000592:standards*; D001944:Breath Tests / Q000295:instrumentation; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004867:Equipment Design; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011639:Public Opinion