Examining the Feasibility of Alcohol Ignition Interlocks for Motorcycles [Traffic Tech]

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15259152017PDFBriefUnited States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesAlcohol ignition interlock devicesBlood alcohol levelsFeasibility analysisImpaired driversMotorcycle drivingMotorcyclesMotorcyclistsDOT HS 812 406Impaired driving is a major factor in vehicle crashes and traffic fatalities. The use of alcohol ignition interlocks is growing as a countermeasure to combat the high rate of offender recidivism for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI); however, while there is an increase in interlock use on passenger vehicles to reduce DWI recidivism, there has been only limited use of these devices on motorcycles. Of the approximately 279,000 interlock devices installed in the United States in 2012, estimates show that only 0.1 percent to 0.2 percent of that total were installed on motorcycles. Motorcycle fatalities increased from 3,270 deaths in 2002 to 4,612 deaths in 2011. In 2011, 30 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher, more than for any other type of vehicle. Therefore, it is appropriate to examine the feasibility of wider use of alcohol ignition interlocks to help reduce alcohol-related crashes and fatalities on motorcycles. NHTSA funded this study to examine the use of interlocks on motorcycles throughout the country, and to determine the significant issues affecting the use of alcohol ignition interlocks on motorcycles. The research team in this study conducted in-depth discussions with interlock manufacturers, installers, State officials, and riders with interlocks installed on their motorcycles to address the many issues involved. In addition, researchers conducted an analysis of interlock breath test event records from motorcyclists, the results of which mirrored event records for passenger vehicles.129