How Many Times Did an Ignition Interlock Prevent Drunk Driving in 2017?

Last month, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) released some inspirational numbers about Ignition Interlock Devices’ performance in 2017 by calculating how many times they’ve stopped a drunk driver from starting their car state-by-state.

An Ignition Interlock Device is a car breathalyzer that can be a requirement for individuals convicted or arrested because of a DUI/DWI/etc. to reinstate their driving privileges. If alcohol is detected in the user’s breath, the device prevents the vehicle from starting.

In total, an Ignition Interlock Device prevented more than 350,000 drunk driving attempts throughout the U.S. in 2017. In other words, technology stopped a drunk driver from potentially harming or killing other individuals or themselves. This is a powerful number that can’t be ignored, especially when drunk driving deaths have gone up for the second year in a row.

Ignition Interlocks Preventing Drunk Driving is in the Numbers

Ignition Interlocks have been a requirement for DUI offenders for more than two decades, but reports year after year are continuing to show their effectiveness, and just how many lives these devices are saving every day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show all-offender Ignition Interlock laws reducing drunk driving recidivism by 67 percent. Plus, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)’s study in 2018 says that Ignition Interlocks reduce the number of impaired drivers in fatal crashes by 16 percent.

All-Offender Ignition Interlock Laws

State laws are continuously improving with an all-offender Ignition Interlock requirement starting with first-time cases with a .08 BAC, the nationwide legal limit, or higher. Since May 2018, there are 32 states and D.C. that have this lifechanging, all-offender law.

MADD’s study shows state-by-state how many times an Ignition Interlock prevented a drunk driver from starting their vehicle in 2017.

With the proper enforcement and all 50 states enacting an all-offender Ignition Interlock law, the U.S. will see many more lives saved and safer roadways.

Blogs on Recent Ignition Interlock Studies

• New Report Wants to Reach Zero Drunk Driving Deaths
• Are Ignition Interlocks Just as Safe as Airbags?
• DUI Law Study: The Strictest and Most Lenient States in 2017

Need an Ignition Interlock?

Smart Start can get you back on the road with an affordable program, a reliable Ignition Interlock Device and 24/7/365 customer service. Schedule your installation appointment today by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form.