A few weeks ago, a group of Wisconsin lawmakers, amid the growing demands to deal more effectively with drunken driving violators, endorsed a proposal forcing certain first-time and repeat DUI offenders to install ignition interlock systems in their vehicles. These systems, once added, make it impossible for the perpetrator to start their car unless their blood-alcohol levels are around (typically) 0.03 or less. Although it is great to see lawmakers take action to toughen the rather weak DUI laws, their efforts to impose this interlock law are pointless. Instead, they should be focusing on other solutions. More severe penalties, suspended driver's licenses and alcohol awareness programs targeting youth would be a more effective means of curbing drunken driving in the state than these ignition interlock systems.
In general, there have been several studies conducted pertaining to the overall efficacy of ignition interlock systems on reducing drunken driving. A majority of these have, admittedly, found that they are at least fairly effective - when they are being used. An oft-cited evaluation of interlock devices carried out in 2002 by the California Department of Motor Vehicles points out that interlocks can reduce DUI recidivism while they remain on offenders' vehicles, but that once they are removed, recidivism rates climb back up."" This implies that no social learning actually takes place, and that alcoholics are once again undeterred from drinking and driving after the ignition interlock system is removed from their vehicles.
Furthermore, while interlocks have become more tamper-proof in the past decade or two, people still continue to find ways to bypass these systems, illegally driving under the influence even with the device successfully installed on their vehicles. Hence, these systems are really more trouble than they are worth, and alternatives to these devices need to be pursued.
A simple but fairly successful way of fighting drunken driving is tougher penalties for those who fail to adhere to the law. Current DUI laws are relatively weak, as compared to other states, giving first-time offenders little more than a slap on the wrist and not considering it a felony until the fifth offense. Turning third-time offenders into felons, instituting larger fines, longer jail times and longer suspensions of driver's licenses would provide better motivation to avoid drinking and driving. People may be less inclined to drink and drive if they know that mandatory jail time and hefty fines may result.
Another means of reducing the amount of drunken driving in the state is to start attacking alcoholism, and the best way to do this is before people even get involved with it. Ideally, the state should implement programs aimed at reducing alcohol consumption among middle-and high-school students. According to a 2008 study done by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, delaying the onset of alcohol use among youths is important in preventing alcohol-dependence disorders that form later on in life. The study found that people who took their first drink at or before the age of 15 were 50 percent more likely to develop an ""alcohol-use disorder"" later on in life as compared to those who took their first drink at or after the age of 18. Targeting younger people can have a massive effect, and alcohol programs may cause some middle-and high-school students to avoid abusing alcohol.
Ignition interlock systems, while a good idea, are ineffective tools in the fight against drunken driving. Once they are removed, there is nothing stopping offenders from committing another DUI. The same may also be said about suspending licenses. However, a suspended license is a far harsher penalty, whereas an interlock system is typically little more than a slight annoyance for people who have committed a DUI. Hence, there is more of a motivation to avoid drunken driving if people know they will lose their license for a long period of time. The same can also be said of longer jail times and higher fines. Targeting middle-and high-school students with alcohol education programs would also be an effective means in combating alcoholism in the state. Stiffer penalties coupled with anti-alcoholism programs would be the best way Wisconsin lawmakers can reduce drunken driving.
Ryan Dashek is a junior majoring in biology. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
