Ignition interlock devices are widely used to deter impaired driving, but they may also contribute to certain accidents.
Over the last ten years, many states have adopted a proactive approach to combat drunk driving through the use of ignition interlock devices. These devices, which function like miniature breathalyzers connected to a vehicle’s electrical system, prevent the car from starting unless the driver proves sobriety.
These ignition interlocks have been significantly effective, contributing to a 15% reduction in alcohol-related traffic fatalities in states that require them for all DUI offenders. However, they’re not without their issues.
In a tragic incident in November 2017, Alexis Butler was fatally injured in Arlington, Texas. While she was backing out of a driveway, her car was hit by a speeding pickup driven by Blake Cowan, who, despite previous DUI arrests, was sober at the time according to police reports. Cowan had started his vehicle after passing a test on his ignition interlock device. However, to continue driving, he was required to pass random rolling retests by blowing into the device while driving, which distracted him from the road.
These rolling retests demand the driver’s attention by requiring them to use the device while the vehicle is in motion, potentially leading to dangerous distractions. If a driver fails to comply, the vehicle reacts dramatically: headlights flashing and horn honking, until the engine is manually shut down.
