Issues in Ignition Interlock for
Alcohol and Drug Offenders
Debra Coffey
Presented by Debra Coffey
Background
• Interlock has been around since the 80’s
• Research has proven interlocks effective in reducing DWI
recidivism 50% – 90%
• Ignition interlock programs currently in use in 50 states in
the U.S.
• 289,000 interlocks in use today; 1.4 million DWI’s in U.S.
(18% penetration)
• 9,878 people were killed by a drunk driver in the U.S. last
year – One every 53 minutes.
• 13 U.S. Interlock Manufacturers
10 in Texas
Presented by Debra Coffey
The Lone Star State
• Texas
• 145,000 arrested DWI’s a year
• 19,136 defendants on community supervision for
felony DWI.
• 38,071 defendants on community supervision for
misdemeanor DWI.
1,213 people were killed by a drunk
driver in Texas last year.
Highest in the Nation
Presented by Debra Coffey
The Facts
• Interlocks are more effective than license
suspension
• Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico and Louisiana
have cut deaths 30 % - 46%
• 18 states, plus California have a .08 First
offender laws; 16 states First offender - .15
• Research indicates first offenders have driven
drunk 80 times before being arrested.
• To get to .08 BAC, a 160 lb. male, must drink 4
drinks in an hour
Presented by Debra Coffey
Research Summary
Are interlocks effective with 1st and repeat offenders?
YES, Research demonstrates interlocks are effective with both 1st
and repeat offenders in reducing DWI recidivism.
New Mexico, W. Virginia, Maryland, Washington State
New Mexico, Oregon and Arizona- significant crash reduction
• 15 Peer reviewed studies
• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends Interlocks
for all convicted DUI offenders and considers drunk driving a National
Health issue
• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommends
Interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. Study – WA State –
confirms IID saves lives and reduces recidivism
Can interlocks indicate the likelihood of future offenses?
YES, The data logger provides information on # of starts, date and
time of starts and BAC reading
Studies: Alberta and Texas
Presented by Debra Coffey
Research Summary
NHTSA –National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• www.NHTSA.gov
• Case Studies of Ignition Interlock Programs
• Key Features for Ignition Interlock Programs
• Evaluation of the New Mexico Ignition Interlock Program
• Alcohol Interlock Curriculum for Practitioners
• Ignition Interlock – What you Need to Know: A Toolkit for
Policymakers, Highway Safety Professionals and Advocates
• The Use of Alcohol Ignition Interlocks for Reducing Impaired
Driving Recidivism
Presented by Debra Coffey
Research Summary
TIRF - Traffic Injury Research Foundation
www.tirf.ca
• Since 2000, TIRF has published 35 Case Studies, Primers,
Practitioners Guides and Conference Proceedings
• Alcohol Interlock Programs – Vendor Oversight
• The Implementation of Alcohol Interlocks for Offenders – A Roadmap
• Understanding behavioural patterns of interlocked offenders to
inform the efficient and effective implementation of interlock
programs
• The Implementation of Alcohol Interlocks for First Offenders – A Case
Study
• Developed an Alcohol Interlock Curriculum for Practitioners –
includes a teaching guide
• Host to the International Ignition Interlock Symposium, 12
th
year
• NHTSA grant to provide technical assistance to States on
Implementation and Penetration of Ignition Interlock programs
Presented by Debra Coffey
Research Summary
PIRE – Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
www.PIRE.org
• Behavioral Measures of Drinking Patterns in the Interlock Record
• Evaluation of a Program to Motivate Impaired Driving Offenders
to Install Ignition Interlocks
• Evaluation of Ignition Interlock Programs
• International Ignition Interlock Work group - Transportation
Safety Research Board– Dr. Paul Marques, Chair
Presented by Debra Coffey
Texas Law
Bond
• Subsequent Offender
• Intox. Assault and Intox. Manslaughter
CCP 17.441
Probation
• 1st Offender with BrAC .15 or greater
• 1st Offenders under 21
• All Subsequent Offenders
CCP 42.12 § 13, TRC 521.342 (b)
Presented by Debra Coffey
Texas Law
Occupational
• Subsequent Offender granted an occupational
license
• CSCD supervises person issued ODL
Assess fee $25- $60 for supervision paid by offender
CSCD can require offenders on ODL submit to
drug/alcohol testing
TRC 521.246, 521.2462
Presented by Debra Coffey
Federal Law
•MAP 21
• State incentive grants
$20 million
•NO Hard License suspension
Presented by Debra Coffey
What is an Interlock?
• An electronic device wired into the ignition
system of a vehicle which requires the user to
pass a breath alcohol test in order to start the
vehicle.
• AKA: Breathalyzer, Interlock, BAIID, IID
• Requires a breath sample, fail level determined by
state, typically .030 (BrAC) breath alcohol content
to pass.
Presented by Debra Coffey
Purpose of Interlock
• Alternative to jail
• Keeps offender licensed and insured
• Allows offender to work, support family, pay
court fees, attorney
• Participate in treatment
• Remain productive member of community
and family
• Separates drinking from driving
Presented by Debra Coffey
How are Interlocks Used
• Probation
• Parole
• Bond
• License reinstatement and licensing Repeat
offenders
• Deferred Prosecution
• 1
st
offenders
• 1
st
offenders with High BAC (.15 or higher)
• Repeat offenders
• Family Violence (alcohol a factor)
• Court Visitation – Domestic courts (alcohol factor)
• Voluntary
Presented by Debra Coffey
Benefits of Interlock
• Monitoring Tool
• Reporting and Supervision
• Prevent Repeat Behavior
• Form of Incapacitation
• Bridge license suspension to full
reinstatement
• Provide public safety
• Research supports reduction recidivism among
1
st
and Repeat offenders – 15 Peer reviewed
studies
Presented by Debra Coffey
Interlock Technical Standards
• NHTSA, Released May 8, 2013
Device specifications – 1992
Final May 8, 2014
• TDPS State oversight
Texas Administrative Code, Ch. 19 Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations
Device certification
Device programming and specifications
Inspection of vendor facilities
Presented by Debra Coffey
Presented by Debra Coffey
Introduction to
Ignition Interlocks
An ignition interlock combines breath alcohol sensing and
micro-computer technology in a device that is designed to stop
drunk driving.
Presented by Debra Coffey
• The interlock device is installed in a vehicle
• Linked to the ignition system
Presented by Debra Coffey
– The sample is analyzed for alcohol.
– If the alcohol level is above the fail set point, the vehicle cannot
be started.
– If the level is below the pre-set limit, the vehicle can be started
and operated normally.
In order to start an interlock-equipped vehicle the driver must first supply a
breath sample.
Presented by Debra Coffey
Events relating to the use of the interlock device and the vehicle are
recorded on a memory chip for retrieval during servicing, at which time
data is uploaded to a central server.
Reports forwarded to the Probation officer or Court authority.
Presented by Debra Coffey
The Technology
• Fuel Cell – Specific to Alcohol
• Sensor Cell – older less reliable – 14 states still allow
• Anti-circumvention features
• Programmable features
• Running Re-test / Rolling Re-test
• Data recorder
• Reports to authorities
• Restricted Drive Times - Curfew
Presented by Debra Coffey
Device Features
• Language and visual display
• BRAC threshold .030
• Lock-out time – 15 min. temp lockout
• Stall protection – 3min in traffic
• Pull over notice – 6 min. to take the test
• Recall notice – 72 hours
• Violations – combination of 5
• Photo ID – identify user
• Wireless/Cellular/ GPS/ Facial Detection
Presented by Debra Coffey
Camera – Photo
Answers the Question Who
Took the Test?
• Mandatory in Hawaii, TN, IL, WA, NY,
• MO, Vermont – Repeat offenders
• DWI Courts MI and by court order in Texas
Presented by Debra Coffey
Cellular
• Daily downloads
• Authority determines what they receive and how
reported
• Violations reporting
• Picture downloads
• Client convenience
• Time between service visits
• Instant equipment error reporting
Presented by Debra Coffey
E-911
• Schedule daily monitoring
• Based on pre-defined reporting criteria
• Event notification
• Validated by live operator
• Operator can verify with GPS capability
• Contact authority per procedure they prescribe
Presented by Debra Coffey
GPS
• Real time mapping capability
• Determine patterns of where offenders go
• Set inclusion or exclusion zones
• Alert monitors when offender has entered
exclusion zone
• Alert offender when they have entered an
exclusion zone.
• Vehicle tracking when needed, i.e.. Violations are
occurring
Presented by Debra Coffey
Anti-circumvention systems
• Temperature and pressure gauges
• Sealed wiring
• Voice pattern, tone, detection system
Prevents balloons, altered air
• User Identification – Camera
• Facial proximity
• Data logger information
Time and date stamps all events,
attempted events
Presented by Debra Coffey
Installation and Costs
• 273 interlock service points in Texas
• Installation takes approx. 1 hour
• Return every 30 days
• Install - $50.00
• Monthly - $2.30 a day or $69.00 mo.
• Reports sent to authorities via email
• Texas – reports sent next business day
• Authorities access to client information through
Web
Presented by Debra Coffey
Service
• Client training – written, hands on – SSI AP
• Service provider to conduct physical
tamper inspections
• If tamper found report to monitoring
authority
• Emergency 24 hour toll free number
• Emergency assistance within 48 hours
• Provide required testimony in proceedings
Presented by Debra Coffey
Texas Offender interlock programs are
administered either by courts as a condition
of bond, probation, occupational license,
parole condition.
Presented by Debra Coffey
Monitoring/Reporting
• DPS - Standardize reports so all vendors are using same
report format.
• Specify authority responsible for monitoring and sanctions
for violators.
• 30 day monitoring – Wireless provides daily
• Violation download – return to service center
• Reports sent in next day
• Data a predictor of recidivism – PIRE Research
• Information is useful in planning treatment – IID part of
DWI court treatment plan
• Data useful in determining program duration
- Earn their way off program / Exit strategies ( WA, MD and CO)
- Reward offenders doing well with early termination/ longer time between
service visits – 60 - 90 days
Presented by Debra Coffey
Presented by Debra Coffey
Sample Report
Submitted to Monitoring Authority
Presented by Debra Coffey
Presented by Debra Coffey
Presented by Debra Coffey
Truths and Myths
• Car stops in middle of road
• Gas fumes and Perfume
• Battery drain
• Cigarette smoke
• Cinnamon rolls and donuts
• Pool chlorine
• Spicy foods
• Windshield washer fluid
• Teeth whitener
Presented by Debra Coffey
Interlock Concerns
• Mouth Alcohol
Contaminants
• Temperature and Altitude
-40 to + 185 degrees F ; 11,482 ft. elevation
• Running re-tests
15-45 min. random
• Family member inconvenience
• Costs
• Anyone can take the test
-40 Yr. Old Virgin
-ABC – What would you do?
Presented by Debra Coffey
Court/ Prosecution Concerns
• Reliability of device
• Access to supporting documents and reports
• Testimony to corroborate test results and reports
• Breath Volume
Requires device knowledge
• Who took the test
Features – eliminate bystander myth
Positive ID technology
Presented by Debra Coffey
Top 4 ways offenders will try to keep
from having the IID requirement
1. Offenders claim they do not need an Interlock because they do not intend
to drive: This is usually false. Up to 75% of drivers will drive with a
suspended license.
2. Offenders claim they do not own a vehicle. While offenders may not own a
vehicle they frequently have access to and drive a vehicle. The law does not
require the offender own the vehicle, they only need access to one
3. Offenders fail to install the interlock once an order is made: This is true and
an important issue for the judiciary. One study showed that as few as 22% of
those offenders ordered to install an Interlock actually complied, so follow-up
is critical.
4. Offenders fail to drive the interlock-equipped vehicle: This happens rarely,
but it is important to ensure that offenders actually drive the Interlock-
equipped vehicle. This can be accomplished by watching the number of
engine starts or miles driven.
Presented by Debra Coffey
Interlock Challenges
• Offenders do not install
• Program Funding/Program costs/Program
development
• Lack of information and education on how the
Interlock works
• Supporting legislation; conflicts with State &
Federal policy and unfunded mandates
• Workload
• Exiting the Interlock program
Presented by Debra Coffey
Public Safety Tool or Aggravation
Offender’s Perception
• A study in New Mexico showed when asked, 87%
of offenders felt interlocks reduced drinking and
driving.
• 85% thought having the interlock on their car
was a fair sanction.
Presented by Debra Coffey
Public Perception
Public Supports Interlocks for 1
st
time Offenders
• 88% support interlock on all convicted drunk drivers
(Center for Excellence in Rural Safety, May 2010)
• 84% support interlocks for convicted drunk drivers
(Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2009)
• Over 3 of 4 persons support Interlock for first time
convicted drivers ( AAA, 2011)
Presented by Debra Coffey
Using Technology to
Monitor Offenders
• Ensure participants maintain sobriety
• Increase accountability of participants by monitoring
sobriety
• Provide alternatives to the court system
• Reduce DWI recidivism by addressing sobriety issues and
modifying behavior
• Provide for efficient use of caseload management
• Provide for flexibility in supervision based on offenders
compliance i.e., Rewards and Punishment
• Use of technology as important role in long term risk
reduction by supporting efforts to address alcohol issues
• Use of sanctions that are cost effective and cost efficient
Presented by Debra Coffey
Interlocks Globally
• Commercial Applications
• Sweden has 40,000 interlocks
• 9 million people
• North Carolina
• Not necessarily an offender market
Presented by Debra Coffey
Presented by Debra Coffey
School Busses in Russia
Presented by Debra Coffey
• Buses, trucks, taxis, trains, construction e etc…
Transportation: Busses, Trucks, Taxi,
Trains, Construction Equipment,
Dangerous goods, etc.
Presented by Debra Coffey
• Not limited to transportation, or even things that move
• Industrial machinery, access control—i.e. wide variety of
safety sensitive applications
Future Technologies & Applications
DADSS
• Advanced Technologies
• Interlocks in all Cars
• Driver Alcohol Detection Safety Systems
• www.dadss.org
• Cooperative research with Car Manufacturer’s
• $10 million dollars
• Vehicle Proto-Type / Research Vehicle end of 2013
• Must be Passive, not hassle sober driver, relatively
inexpensive
• Less than 1 second
Presented by Debra Coffey
Driver Alcohol Detection Systems for
Auto Safety
Technology Types
1. Tissue Spectrometry
Estimation of BAC by measuring how much light has been
absorbed at particular wavelength from a beam of Near-
Infrared (NIR) reflected from the subject skin
Touch-based systems that require skin contact
2. Distant Spectrometry
IR or laser light is transmitted to the subject from a source
that receives and analyses the reflected and absorbed
spectrum, to assess chemical content of tissue or liquid
in vapor
No skin contact is required
Presented by Debra Coffey
Alternative Alcohol
Monitoring Technology
• What is Alternative Alcohol Monitoring?
• Types of Alcohol Monitoring
• IN HOM, SCRAM, TAD, Actsoft, MEMS,
Wrist Guard, VI-CAP, Visatel, others
• Background of Development
• New Mexico legislation – No Car
• Sobriety monitoring - Judges
Presented by Debra Coffey
Alternative Alcohol Monitoring
• In Home Alcohol Monitoring - Portable
• Continuous Alcohol Monitoring
• SCRAM, TAD, ActSoft
Presented by Debra Coffey
SMART START IN-HOM™
Presented by Debra Coffey
Thursday, June 17, 2009 10:13:33 am BrAC 0.000 Pass
Presented by Debra Coffey
Presented by Debra Coffey
Conclusions
• Technology key component of monitoring and
supervision
• People are going to drive
• Technologies are additional Tools
• Combine with Treatment, Information and
Education
• Criminologist agree – Swift and Certain Penalties
are more effective
• Insert the “intervention” during the teachable
moment
Presented by Debra Coffey
Separating Drinking from
Driving®
Since 1994
645 Million Safe starts using
Smart Start Interlock
7 million Illegal starts prevented
Presented by Debra Coffey
Presented by Debra Coffey
Interlocks Saving Lives
The benefits are clear… Everyone benefits from efforts to
Separate Drinking from Driving®.
Presented by Debra Coffey
Questions?
Debra Coffey
VP, Government Affairs
Smart Start, Inc.
1-800-880-3394, ext. 225
817-307-4992 – cell
DCoffey@SmartStartInc.com
Presented by Debra Coffey
