The Feasibility of Voluntary Ignition Interlocks As a Prevention Strategy for Young Drivers [Traffic Tech]

NHTSA · 2017 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) addresses the feasibility of using ignition interlock devices as a voluntary prevention strategy for young drivers (ages 15–20), rather than solely as a punitive sanction for convicted impaired drivers. The motivation stems from the fact that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for this demographic, with a significant portion of fatalities involving drivers with detectable blood alcohol concentrations. While interlocks have been effective for over 25 years in reducing drinking and driving among offenders, their application as a preventive tool for non-offending youth presents unique social and practical challenges. The study, conducted by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), did not involve installing devices on vehicles. Instead, it employed a qualitative and data-analytical approach to assess feasibility. Researchers conducted discussions with ignition interlock providers, insurance companies, community groups, parents, and young drivers. They also analyzed archival interlock recorder data comparing voluntary users against involuntary (court-ordered) users and reviewed results from an independent internet survey of voluntary interlock users and their parents. The findings reveal significant barriers to adoption. Ignition interlock companies reported that previous marketing attempts to high schools failed due to reluctance from parents and youth; parents often viewed the device as an inconvenience or did not perceive their children as at risk, while young drivers cited embarrassment and unfairness. Insurance companies indicated that premium discounts would require actuarial justification and state regulatory approval. Young drivers expressed resistance, noting potential circumvention methods and a shift to drug use to avoid detection. Parents were primarily concerned about cost, device circumvention, and the potential for distraction, though they prioritized safety. Analysis of recorder data showed that voluntary users had higher startup breath alcohol concentrations than involuntary users, likely due to the lack of legal sanctions. Survey data indicated that while most parents believed interlocks were effective, many did not actively monitor the monthly data reports. The report concludes that for voluntary interlocks to succeed, the technology must be "rebranded" to emphasize safety and de-stigmatize its association with criminal punishment. Success requires demonstrating clear benefits, such as peace of mind for parents, and potentially offering financial incentives. Community support is deemed necessary to shift social norms. While the study did not determine specific incentive thresholds, it established that current social perceptions and logistical concerns are major hurdles to implementing ignition interlocks as a widespread preventive measure for young drivers.

Key finding

Voluntary ignition interlock users registered higher startup breath alcohol tests than court- or DMV-ordered users, and four companies' earlier voluntary teen programs failed because parents saw no risk and young drivers found the devices embarrassing.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• alcohol detection systems
• parental management