Addressing Collisions Involving Unlicensed Drivers
and Drivers with Suspended or Revoked Licenses: Appendix 5
Profiles of State and Local Agency Implementation Efforts: Strategy 2.1 C2
Emphasis Area
2.1—Keeping Unlicensed/Suspended/Revoked Drivers Off the Road
Objective
2.1 C—Restrict Mobility Through Vehicle Modification
Strategy Name and Number
Install Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in Offender's Vehicle (Strategy 2.1 C2)
Agency and Jurisdiction
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Problem(s) Identified
Unlicensed/Suspended/Revoked (U/S/R) drivers are greatly over represented in fatal crashes. The largest group of U/S/R offenders have lost licensure because of drinking and driving. Restricting use of a vehicle with an ignition interlock device (IID) does not prevent U/S/R driving, but it does ensure that the operator is not intoxicated. From a traffic safety standpoint, this strategy is consistent with the goal of ensuring that drivers are competent to drive.
Goals and Objectives Established
To prevent drunken driving, repeat DUI offenders are restricted to an IID-equipped vehicle that will not operate unless the driver is sober. Drivers must provide a breath test both prior to starting the vehicle and at subsequent random intervals, to ensure sobriety throughout the trip.
Description of Strategy Implemented
This strategy is generally applied to multiple DUI offenders. It may be applied immediately following conviction or following a period of license suspension or revocation. Costs of the IID installation and monitoring are borne by the offender.
A private contractor provides, installs and monitors the IID. A record is created of every attempt to operate the vehicle and the corresponding blood-alcohol content (BAC), as well as the date and time. Records are regularly reviewed by DMV personnel to ensure that both contractor and offender are complying with all requirements.
Summary of Implementation Effort (Lessons Learned)
In 1989 Maryland implemented a statute allowing the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs), and currently four different devices are approved for use. The Code of Maryland Rules and Regulations specifies regulations for the certification, installation, repair, and removal of interlocks, and establishes eligibility requirements for participants and service providers. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Driver Safety Research Unit (DSRU) administers and monitors IID participants, service providers, and manufacturers. This Unit monitors drivers and manufacturer/service providers for compliance with all requirements, regulations, and Maryland law. Although most drivers are monitored by the DSRU, some are monitored only by parole and probation agents. Drivers are referred to the interlock program from the District Courts, Administrative Law Judges, and the Medical Advisory Board. Drivers may also request participation in lieu of a longer license suspension.
The driver must show proof of IID installation and have a new license showing that the IID is required. The IID records time of day, date, every time the car is started or an attempt is made to start it, the BAC, efforts to circumvent or disable the unit, odometer reading, and "rolling test" compliance, whereby the driver must provide repeat breath samples at random intervals. After installation, drivers must send monthly monitoring reports to the service provider. These records are scrutinized for evidence of any problems, e.g., numerous attempts to start at elevated BACs, a marked reduction in starts possibly indicating use of another vehicle, attempts to bypass the device. Such events are reported to DSRU, and the driver is contacted immediately. Quality assurance of service providers is accomplished by conducting random unannounced visits to the service centers. The Program Manager also meets regularly with the providers to discuss any problems and to communicate program modifications. As of November, 2000, over 3,500 drivers were in the program.
Summary of the Results 1
Evaluation of the program involved random assignment, whereby eligible drivers were assigned randomly to the usual post licensure treatment program or to an experimental ignition interlock program. Both groups were also required to participate in alcohol treatment/support programs. Those in the IID program showed significantly lower arrest rates (2.7 percent vs. 6.7 percent) during the one year following program assignment. However, during the second year, when the IID was no longer required, there were no differences between the two groups. This finding is consistent with other research, indicating that once the IID is removed, there is no lasting benefit.
Contact Person and Information
Jane Valenzia
Manager, Ignition Interlock Program
6601 Ritchie Highway NE
Room 47C
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Tel: 410-424-3128
Email: jvalenzia@sha.state.md.us
Ms. Valenzia is responsible for managing the Maryland program and is intimately acquainted with its operation.
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