According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 12,000 people are killed in alcohol-related crashes each year, accounting for almost one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.
The Task Force on Community Preventive Services recently released a review of their evidence-based recommendation to use ignition interlocks to prevent alcohol-impaired driving re-arrests. In a systematic review of 15 scientific studies on ignition interlocks, the Task Force found on the basis of strong evidence that their installation into cars of DWI offenders is effective in reducing re-arrest rates. Researches found that during the time these devices were installed, re-arrest rates for drunk driving dropped by a median of 67%.
Ignition interlocks are devices that can be installed in vehicles of those who have been convicted of a DWI to prevent future episodes of drunk driving. They prevent the vehicle from being driven by anyone with a blood alcohol concentration above a specified level (typically 0.02 to 0.04 grams per deciliter). Interlocks are generally mandated through the court system or offered as an alternative to a suspended license and are installed for 6 to 24 months.
Currently, only 13 states require interlocks for all convicted offenders and more than half require that they be installed in vehicles of more severe offenders. The CDC recommends this intervention and recognizes that while it is currently implemented among only a small proportion of offenders, it could have a widespread and significant impact if used across the US.
The Guide to Community Preventive Services is a free resource that provides evidence-based findings and recommendations about public health interventions and policies to improve health and promote safety. The Community Guide recommendations are assembled by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services: an independent, nonfederal, volunteer body of public health and prevention experts, whose members are appointed by the Director of CDC.
The Public Health Foundation (PHF) is working with the CDC and other partner organizations to promote The Community Guide. In March, PHF will be launching the “I’m Your Community Guide” Contest. Share your Community Guide success story with us and you could win up to $1,000 to be used at the public health conference of your choice.
Visit The Community Guide page on our website for rules and complete details.