Interlocks in all cars
Sue Ferguson, Chair of Automotive Coalition for TrafficUltimately we would like them on all vehicles.”
Safety and DADSS Blue Ribbon Panel Member
What evidence suggests movement toward universal ignition interlocks in the United States?
Read quotes from MADD and others on universal interlocks.
Universal Interlock Development Project
In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a 5-year campaign to develop “universal” interlocks. Contracting with the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS), the agency has budgeted $10 million to solicit research and development on in-vehicle technology to prevent alcohol-impaired driving. Learn more about the “DADSS” project.
In 2009, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has asked Congress to allocate an additional $30 million annually for universal interlock development.
Five states—New York, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Oklahoma—have already considered legislation to mandate interlocks on all vehicles.
Pro-Interlock Strategy: Anti-alcohol groups are working closely with interlock manufacturers, insurance companies, car manufacturers, and national highway officials to coordinate strategies for making the public more receptive to the idea. Their strategy to achieve public support is strikingly similar to the one MADD used to lower the legal drunk driving threshold from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent BAC. The interlock strategy:
- Convince the public there is a need
- Pass incremental legislation in states
- Threaten states that do not pass the desired legislation with funding sanctions in the federal Highway Bill
Senator Barbara Boxer, Senate EnvironmentFrankly, if the device was in every car, what harm would it do?”
and Public Works Committee hearing on interlocks Oct. 25, 2007
Because universal interlocks will be set at low BAC levels, the result will be a de facto Prohibition on responsible adults. Devices set at approximately 0.02 BAC will make it impossible to drive home if you’ve had just a small amount of alcohol at a restaurant, ball game, or any social event where beer, wine, or spirits are served.