NEWS: All-Offender Ignition Interlock Laws Save Lives

Ignition Interlocks continue to prove that they save lives every day. It’s been recently proven that states with an all-offender Ignition Interlock law see a reduction of fatal vehicle crashes by 16 percent compared to states that have no Ignition Interlock requirement.

In addition, states requiring Ignition Interlocks for repeat or high BAC offenders see an eight percent decrease, and those that require Ignition Interlocks for repeat offenders see a three percent decrease.

When comparing the numbers, all-offender Ignition Interlock laws have the greatest impact on U.S. roads. As of March 2018, 31 states and D.C. have an all-offender Ignition Interlock law in place.

Drunk Driving: The Leading Cause of Death on U.S. Roads

In 2016, more than 10,000 people were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver with a BAC of .08 or higher. The study says that if all 50 states enacted an all-offender law, more than 500 lives could be saved each year.

Ignition Interlock infographic from IIHS

An Ignition Interlock is the only proven technology that protects the public and the driver by preventing a vehicle from starting if the driver is alcohol-impaired. They also allow the driver to continue with their daily lives by being able to drive to work or school.

The recently published study, “State Alcohol Ignition Interlock Laws and Fatal Crashes,” comes from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

With the effective use of Ignition Interlocks across all 50 states, many lives could be saved with safer roadways.

Additional Studies Supporting Ignition Interlocks

• Getting to Zero Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities
• Are Ignition Interlocks Just as Safe as Airbags?
• How Successful Have Ignition Interlocks Been?
• MADD Continues to Support All-Offender Ignition Interlock Law

Need an Ignition Interlock to Get Back on the Road?

Smart Start can help as the worldwide provider of Ignition Interlocks with 2,000 service locations and 24/7/365 customer service. Make sure to ask for any current discounts or specials in your state! Schedule your installation appointment today by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form.