In Boston, Massachusetts, Mothers Against Drunk Driving is pushing for legislation that requires first time Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenders to drive with an interlock device system. An interlock device requires drivers to blow into a breathalyzer in order for the automobile to start. If the interlock system detects alcohol in the driver’s system the vehicle will not start.
The Mothers Against Drunk Driving group believes this particular law will reduce the casualties of drunk driving. Mary Kate DePamphilis, a program director for MADD, claims other states have seen a 50% decrease in drunk driving related casualties since implementing an interlock device law. The state of Massachusetts, which does not have interlock legislation in place for first time offenders, saw 120 drunk driving casualties in 2017 and 148 drunk driving casualties in 2016.
Interlock devices have reduced drunk driving fatalities by seven percent in participating states. Currently 32 states require an interlock system to be installed if an individual’s BAC is .08 or higher.