Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device Program (Illinois)
Problems addressed
Driving under the influence of substances
Recidivism
Effectiveness

Promising

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Promising

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Life periods served
Adults (18 to 59 years)
Where the program was applied
Community (streets or community centers)
Country of application
United States
Description

This program consists of installing ignition interlock devices in motor vehicles to measure the driver’s alcohol level before starting the car. The main objective is to prevent a drunk driver from operating the vehicle.
The program is aimed at offenders who have prior drunk driving charges or chronic alcoholics. Participants must pay all costs associated with this program (an indigent fund is available) and are legally allowed to drive only vehicles that have a device installed.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation showed that, after three years of program follow-up, there was an 8% reduction in drunk driving offenses. The use of the device led to deterrence of new offenses, but did not promote changes in participants’ behavior in the long term after the system stopped being used. The study had a quasi-experimental design [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Raub, R. A., Lucke, R. E., & Wark, R. I. (2001). Illinois secretary of state breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) program evaluation and final report Volume II: Pilot implementation evaluation. Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.

Information source