How Successful Are Ignition Interlocks in Sobriety Courts?

Ignition Interlocks are becoming more and more recognized as the only tool that physically stops drunk driving. National organizations and studies are backing Ignition Interlocks more and more every day by stating how the devices continuously reduce recidivism and save lives.

One program in Michigan also shows how successful Ignition Interlocks can be in their sobriety alcohol monitoring courts.

Michigan’s Sobriety Alcohol Monitoring Courts

The combination of DWI/Sobriety Courts and Ignition Interlocks are doing wonders in making Michigan’s roads safer, improving lives and reducing repeat offenses.

A report published by Michigan’s Secretary of State (SOS) states that Ignition Interlocks increase participants’ success rate and reduces recidivism in the state’s sobriety court programs.

The Success of Michigan’s DWI/Sobriety Court and Ignition Interlocks

The report evaluated the first five years of the DWI/Sobriety Court Ignition Interlock Program and concluded that “the devices, when used in conjunction with a Sobriety Court program, contribute to significantly better success rates among participants.”

Offenders participating in the program without an Ignition Interlock were three times more likely to drop out of sobriety court than those ordered by the court to use the device. Of the participants using an Ignition Interlock, only 11 percent failed to graduate from the program, which is a rate that’s three times better than the number of participants who did not use an Ignition Interlock and did not graduate.

Individuals who must use an Ignition Interlock can drive to and from home, work, court, treatment or school again, safely. Not only does an Ignition Interlock allow an individual to drive again, it is acting as an additional tool alongside the sobriety programs to lower alcohol and drug use. Substance abuse was substantially lower compared to participants not under Ignition Interlock supervision.

Michigan’s first DWI/Sobriety Court was established in 2009 in Eaton County. Because of its successful structure of judicial supervision, treatment, corrective sanctions and positive incentives, problem-solving courts throughout the state and country use it as a guideline for their own programs.

The right tools, treatment and supervision appear to be working, as Michigan is seeing their roads become safer and safer from drunk driving.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

If you must install an Ignition Interlock, choose Smart Start. We are a worldwide provider of Ignition Interlocks with a discreet device, an affordable program and 24/7/365 customer service. Schedule your installation appointment today by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form.