Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices reducing Fatal Crashes

Requiring all drunk driving offenders to install alcohol ignition interlock devices (IID) can reduce the number of impaired drivers in fatal crashes by 16%, according to a new study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “AAA applauds IIHS for highlighting the important role ignition interlock laws play in reducing the number of crashes, injuries and deaths that occur on our nation’s roadways,” said AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety President Tiffany Wright. In South Carolina, courts are required to order the installation and monitoring of an interlock device for any driver whose BAC level is .08% or higher when it is a second time offense. The length of time required depends upon the court, but usually a second time DUI results in a two year requirement, the third garners three years and the fourth results in an ignition interlock permanently. In 2016, there were 296 fatal crashes as a direct result of alcohol in South Carolina, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2.1 million member and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.