Several states throughout the country have mandated the use of ignition interlock devices for individuals convicted of drunk driving. In Minnesota, for example, all DWI offenders with a BAC of .16 or higher must install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle – regardless of whether the driver is a first time offender or a repeat offender.
An ignition interlock device is a device roughly the size of a mobile phone, which is wired into a vehicle’s ignition system. A driver convicted of DWI must blow into the device before operating a vehicle, and if the vehicle will not start if the driver has a measurable amount of alcohol in his or her system.
There are, however, debates and arguments over the accuracy and effectiveness of the ignition interlock system. Are these devices effective?
Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports that at present, roughly 135,000 motor vehicles throughout the United States have installed ignition interlock devices. The organization continues to lobby to increase this number, as their research shows that the devices are 90 percent ffective.
Several research studies have been conducted to explore the effectiveness of ignition interlock devices as a sanction for DWI offenders. All these studies, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, consistently report a 50 to 90 percent reduction in terms of subsequent DWI recidivism or repeat offenses after offenders have installed ignition interlock devices on their vehicles.
A study conducted by the PIRE (Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation) showed that first-time offenders with installed interlock devices were 60 percent less likely to be repeat offenders compared to those who did not use interlock devices. The same study also supported previous studies on the same subject that showed a 65 percent reduction in drunk driving offenses with installed interlock devices.
These findings suggest that DWI offenders who had ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles are at a significantly lower risk of recidivism compared to drivers who had suspended licenses after either not having interlock devices installed or being deemed ineligible for such device.
If you find yourself subject to the Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program and are a first time offender, you should contact an attorney to review your case in detail. Generally, a first time offender will only be subject to the program if their blood alcohol concentration is a .16 or more as measured within two hours of driving. An experienced DWI attorney can challenge your revocation and ask for a judicial review of relevant legal issues that could result in a rescission of your driver’s license revocation.
Source: article published at www.thecommunityguide.org
