Off the Roads & out of the Courts: Enter a Technology Fix for Drunk Driving

For years, scholars, scientists, policymakers, and public advocacy groups have been exploring and debating whether AIIDs (alcohol ignition interlock devices) would effectively prevent someone from driving drunk. AIIDs measure blood alcohol content (BAC), which is the underlying scientific evidence of driving impairment. Indeed, the technology supporting AIIDs has steadily improved. Progress toward a consensus that identifies and ranks the potential goals that can be achieved with the AIID technology is slowly crystallizing. AIIDs have their found into way into legislation, both nationally and internationally, particularly legislation aimed at repeat offenders. And, installing AIIDs as standard equipment on vehicles has, indeed, been envisioned as the ultimate solution. While Americans have jealously protected their right to drink, we have long-standing objections to drunk driving. Nonetheless, while we willingly subject ourselves to the rules of the road, we believe we have a right to drive as long as we obey them. Would AllDs be a tolerable infringement of that right in service of the public safety goal of eliminating drunk drivers from our streets