In the states with laws requiring ignition interlock device use for all drunk driving offenders, drunk driving crash fatalities have dropped 16 percent, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The institute’s study backs up other research that has determined the devices are one of the most effective ways to prevent drunk driving.
When the devices are installed offenders also receive treatment and support while still being allowed to drive.
Approximately 10,497 people died in 2016 in crashes where at least one driver’s blood-alcohol level was above the 0.08 BAC legal limit. This was 28 percent of all traffic fatalities, making alcohol-impaired driving one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities.
In addition, alcohol involvement of drivers and/or pedestrians accounted for 46 percent of pedestrian fatalities.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has urged every state to adopt ignition interlock device laws.
“Despite some successes in reducing drunk driving, the problem remains both substantial and consistent,” GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins said. “As a nation, we need to be doing more to address this fundamental traffic safety challenge, and IID use is at the top of the list of proven strategies.”
Many states also are addressing the drunk driving problem through education, safety programs, and law enforcement.