Interlock Device Research Articles

Buzz Kill: State Adoption of DUI Interlock Laws, 2005–11

Most states have adopted significant measures to reduce the incidence of driving under the influence (DUI) but a DUI death occurs about every 53 minutes; a significant portion of these accidents are the result of recidivist DUI drivers. A relatively new and novel way states can reduce DUI deaths from repeat offenders is to require offenders to install an interlock device on their vehicle, but not all states have adopted this measure. We explore whether the Policy Typology and Policy Diffusion Frameworks can help us understand the politics behind why some states have adopted interlock policies while others have not. Employing over‐time data from the American states our results suggest that the adoption of interlock laws is best explained by internal factors to the state and the adoption of interlock laws by neighboring states. In addition, the adoption of interlock laws is a form of incremental policymaking—states with existing DUI laws are more likely to adopt interlock policies. We conclude that interlock policies diffuse in a manner similar to other regulatory policies and that interlock policies should be categorized as protective regulatory policies rather than social regulatory policies.

An Evaluation of Drivers Using an Ignition Interlock Device

The threat of drunk drivers on our nation’s highways has led to the proliferation of court-mandated ignition interlock devices (IIDs), which test the driver for alcohol consumption before ignition and during operation of the vehicle. Previous research has already demonstrated the distraction potential of IIDs. Litigation has suggested that this difficulty is particularly severe for individuals with small lung capacity, such as women and smokers. The current research sought to augment the previous distraction finding while also comparing men and women in terms of their ability to successfully use a Lifesafer FC-100 interlock device. Results showed that women had significantly less success in providing adequate breath samples to successfully operate the interlock device while driving, and supported previous distraction findings. Implications as well as suggestions for and challenges of further research are provided.

A design principle underlying the paradoxical roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases.

E3 ubiquitin ligases are important cellular components that determine the specificity of proteolysis in the ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, an increasing number of studies have indicated that E3 ubiquitin ligases also participate in transcription. Intrigued by the apparently paradoxical functions of E3 ubiquitin ligases in both proteolysis and transcriptional activation, we investigated the underlying design principles using mathematical modeling. We found that the antagonistic functions integrated in E3 ubiquitin ligases can prevent any undesirable sustained activation of downstream genes when E3 ubiquitin ligases are destabilized by unexpected perturbations. Interestingly, this design principle of the system is similar to the operational principle of a safety interlock device in engineering systems, which prevents a system from abnormal operation unless stability is guaranteed.

Measurement of the response time of the delay window for the neutron converter of the SPIRAL2 project

Research and development of a safety system for the SPIRAL2 facility has been conceived to protect the UCx target from a possible interaction with the 200kW deuteron beam. The system called “delay window” (DW) is designed as an integral part of the neutron converter module and is located in between the neutron converter and the fission target. The device has been designed as a barrier, located directly behind the neutron converter on the axis of the deuteron beam, with the purpose of “delaying” the eventual interaction of the deuteron beam with the UCx target in case of a failure of the neutron converter. The “delay” must be long enough to allow the interlock to react and safely stop the beam operation, before the beam will reach the UCx target. The working concept of the DW is based on the principle of the electrical fuse. Electrically insulated wires placed on the surface of a Tantalum disk assure a so called “free contact”, normally closed to an electronic circuit located on the HV platform, far from the radioactive environment. The melting temperature of the wires is much less than Tantalum. Once the beam is impinging on the disk, one or more wires are melted and the “free contact” is open. A solid state relay is changing its state and a signal is sent to the interlock device. A prototype of the DW has been constructed and tested with an electron beam of power density equivalent to the SPIRAL2 beam. The measured “delay” is 682.5ms (σ=116ms), that is rather long in comparison to the intrinsic delays introduced by the detectors itself (2ms) and by the associated electronic devices (120ns). The experimental results confirm that, in the case of a failure of the neutron converter, the DW as conceived is enable to withstand the beam power for a period of time sufficiently long to safely shut down the SPIRAL2 accelerator.

Ethylglucuronide in Hair Is a Top Predictor of Impaired Driving Recidivism, Alcohol Dependence, and a Key Marker of the Highest BAC Interlock Tests

Objectives: This study focuses on the predictive and comparative significance of ethyl glucuronide measured in head hair (hEtG) for estimating risks associated with alcohol-impaired driving offenders. Earlier work compared different alcohol biomarkers for estimating rates of failed blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests logged during 8 months of interlock participation. These analyses evaluate the comparative performance of several alcohol markers including hEtG and other markers, past driver records, and psychometric assessment predictors for the detection of 4 criteria: new driving under the influence (DUI) recidivism, alcohol dependence, and interlock record variables including fail rates and maximal interlock BACs logged. Methods: Drivers charged with alcohol impairment (DUI) in Alberta, Canada (n = 534; 64% first offenders, 36% multiple offenders) installed ignition interlock devices and consented to participate in research to evaluate blood-, hair-, and urine-derived alcohol biomarkers; sit for interviews; take psychometric assessments; and permit analyses of driving records and interlock log files. Subject variables included demographics, alcohol dependence at program entry, preprogram prior DUI convictions, postenrollment new DUI convictions, self-reported drinking assessments, morning and overall rates of failed interlock BAC tests, and maximal interlock BAC readings. Recidivism, dependence, high BAC, and combined fail rates were set as criteria; other variables were set as predictors. Area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (A′) estimates of sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Additional analyses were conducted on baseline hEtG levels. Driver performance and drinking indicators were evaluated against the standard hEtG cutoff for excessive drinking at (30 pg/mg) and a higher criterion of 50 pg/mg. HEtG splits were evaluated with the Mann-Whitney rank statistic. Results: HEtG emerged as a top overall predictor for discriminating new recidivism events that occur after interlock installation, for entry alcohol dependence, and for the highest interlock BACs recorded. Together, hEtG and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) were the top predictors of all criterion measures. By contrast, the hair-derived alcohol biomarkers hEtG and hFAEE (fatty acid ethyl esters) were poorer than other alcohol biomarkers as detectors of interlock BAC test fail rates. Conclusions: This study showed that hEtG, an objective alternative to often unreliable self-reported past representation of drinking levels, yields crucial insight into driver alcohol-related risks early in an interlock program and is a top predictor of new recidivist events. Together with PEth, these markers would be excellent anchors in a panel for detecting alcohol consumption.

OS-1 舞台床機構における階層的安全方策とクリティカルインタロック装置について(OS 産業・化学機械等の安全問題の将来展望)

OS-1 舞台床機構における階層的安全方策とクリティカルインタロック装置について(OS 産業・化学機械等の安全問題の将来展望)

How Necessary Is Monitoring to Interlock Program Success?

Objective: Numerous studies have demonstrated that vehicle alcohol ignition interlocks installed on the cars of impaired-driving offenders reduce recidivism by approximately two-thirds in comparison to similar offenders whose licenses have been suspended. An unresolved issue is the extent to which the effectiveness of interlock programs can be improved by close monitoring of the offenders' performance while in the program. This article describes 5 types of monitoring currently being used in interlock programs in the United States.Methods: The programs reviewed vary from those that simply ensure that the interlock is on the offender's vehicle and functioning, to those that use the interlock log data to extend the length of time the offender is required to be in the interlock program, and those that use the interlock data to initiate special monitoring and treatment programs that must be completed before removal of the interlock device. The strengths and limitations of each type of program are described. Also reviewed are current technological developments that appear to be leading to the development of fully automated interlock monitoring systems.Results: Initial evidence shows that more intensive monitoring provides benefits in improved performance on the interlock, as indicated by fewer high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) breath tests when attempting to drive. Although effective, supervision that is more intensive increases government program costs.Conclusions: The relative cost-effectiveness of the differing types of monitoring requires investigation. Treatment programs need to be integrated with the interlock installation period. New technologies can potentially reduce interlock offender monitoring costs and effectiveness. Integrating treatment with the interlock could have postinterlock benefits.

Levels and types of alcohol biomarkers in DUI and clinic samples for estimating workplace alcohol problems

Widespread concern about illicit drugs as an aspect of workplace performance potentially diminishes attention on employee alcohol use. Alcohol is the dominant drug contributing to poor job performance; it also accounts for a third of the worldwide public health burden. Evidence from public roadways--a workplace for many--provides an example of work-related risk exposure and performance lapses. In most developed countries, alcohol is involved in 20-35% of fatal crashes; drugs other than alcohol are less prominently involved in fatalities. Alcohol biomarkers can improve detection by extending the timeframe for estimating problematic exposure levels and thereby provide better information for managers. But what levels and which markers are right for the workplace? In this paper, an established high-sensitivity proxy for alcohol-driving risk proclivity is used: an average eight months of failed blood alcohol concentration (BAC) breath tests from alcohol ignition interlock devices. Higher BAC test fail rates are known to presage higher rates of future impaired-driving convictions (driving under the influence; DUI). Drivers in alcohol interlock programmes log 5-7 daily BAC tests; in 12 months, this yields thousands of samples. Also, higher programme entry levels of alcohol biomarkers predict a higher likelihood of failed interlock BAC tests during subsequent months. This paper summarizes the potential of selected biomarkers for workplace screening. Markers include phosphatidylethanol (PEth), percent carbohydrate deficient transferrin (%CDT), gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), gamma %CDT (γ%CDT), and ethylglucuronide (EtG) in hair. Clinical cut-off levels and median/mean levels of these markers in abstinent people, the general population, DUI drivers, and rehabilitation clinics are summarized for context.

Proposing a standard method of evaluation capabilities with performance-based vehicle ignition-interlock devices

作業検査式イグニション・インターロック装置 (IID) は，非特異的な認知能力の低下を検知するため，これからの交通安全に大きく貢献すると期待される．しかしながら，肝心の作業検査自体の性能を評価するための適切な方法が存在しなかった．そこでわれわれは，独立変数に血中アルコール濃度(blood alcohol concentration：以下BAC)，従属変数に作業成績の低下を取る回帰分析に基づき，アルコール非摂取時の平均作業成績を超えられなくなるBAC濃度である境界点(BP点)，アルコール非摂取時の95%下限作業成績を超えられなくなるBAC濃度である臨界点(CP)を算出する新たな作業検査性能評価法を提唱した．本分析法をこれまでの典型的な分析方法と比較した結果，BP，CPを求める方法には，異なる実験や検査間における検知能力の直接的な比較が可能となる，少ないデータからでも他の方法と比較して正確に推定が可能，BAC濃度を正確に調整する必要がない，という優れた特徴があることが示された．以上より本法は，IID研究における作業検査性能評価の標準法としてふさわしい方法であると結論づけられた．

On the Costs of In-vehicle Assessment of Alcohol Consumption

Driving under the influence of alcohol poses a significant threat to community health and safety. One approach to thwart drinking and driving involves using an interlock device to test for alcohol consumption prior to driving. These devices measure blood alcohol concentration by breath and require drivers to pass a test before starting the vehicle and at a later re-testing during the drive. Relatively little work has been done to investigate the level of distraction potentially caused by these devices during re-testing. The current study compared the level of distraction of using an interlock device to single task driving and sending and receiving text messages while driving. Both the interlock device and texting resulted in small increases in lane deviation compared to single task baseline; however, participants looked away from the road significantly more often in the texting condition than the interlock condition. In terms of crashes and subjective reports of workload, the interlock device was higher than baseline but significantly lower than texting. Language: en

The Improvement of the Interlock Arm on Ejection Seat Based on the ANSYS

Ejection seat is the most important life-saving tool in warcraft. We analyze of the reason why the ejection mechanism works in advance in ejection process, when the aircraft canopy is not throw away. And carry on the deformation analysis of the lock arm in the interlock device to define the strength of the lowest part of the lock arm. Finally, we obtain the stress distribution graph of lock arm, which provides a theoretical reference for the interlock device on the optimal design.

Finite-Element Analysis of the Arm Lock of Ejection Seat Interlock Device

Analysis of the causes about the ejection seat in the ejection process, when the aircraft canopy is not throw away , ejection mechanism ignites advance. using the finite element method(FEM) to carry on the deformation analysis of the lock arm in the interlock device, defined the strength of the lowest parts of the lock arm, obtained the stress distribution graph of lock arm, which provides a theoretical reference for the interlock device on the optimal design.

Is 24/7 sobriety a good goal for repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenders?

This editorial considers whether a goal of constant sobriety is appropriate for drivers found guilty of repeat episodes of driving under the influence (DUI). The authors first briefly review the impact of DUI, including the numbers of arrests and the methods used to deter repeat offenses, such as suspending or revoking licenses, impounding cars or requiring breath alcohol ignition interlock devices. The authors then describe the approach adopted by South Dakota, a state in the northern plains of the United States. Its ‘24/7 Sobriety’ program attempts to prevent repeat DUI offenders from drinking through frequent testing. Rrepeat DUI arrestees to submit to twice-daily (7–9 a.m. and 7–9 p.m.) breath testing as a condition of bail; missed tests lead to issuance of an arrest warrant. The program has teeth; the punishment for a failed test is immediate and automatic incarceration. However, incarceration is so brief (24 hours), and compliance rates so high, that total sanctioning may actually have declined. South Dakota’s fundamental innovation is to require offenders to stop drinking, rather than stop driving. The authors then report that the statistics available suggest that the program has achieved remarkable success. Traffic fatalities involving alcohol impairment dropped from 71 in 2004 to 34 in 2008; some have suggested that there are favorable effects on other alcohol-associated crimes (e.g. domestic violence). The authors note that the 24/7 Sobriety program has not been evaluated scientifically, so the only firm conclusion to be drawn now is that such an evaluation is needed. They also briefly consider the administrative impact (positive and negative) of implementing this approach to recidivism in DUI.

Estimating driver risk using alcohol biomarkers, interlock blood alcohol concentration tests and psychometric assessments: initial descriptives

To identify alcohol biomarker and psychometric measures that relate to drivers' blood alcohol concentration (BAC) patterns from ignition interlock devices (IIDs). In Alberta, Canada, 534 drivers, convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), installed IIDs and agreed to participate in a research study. IID BAC tests are an established proxy for predicting future DUI convictions. Three risk groups were defined by rates of failed BAC tests. Program entry and follow-up blood samples (n = 302, 171) were used to measure phosphatidyl ethanol (PETH), carbohydrate deficient transferrin (%CDT), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and other biomarkers. Program entry urine (n = 130) was analyzed for ethyl glucuronide (ETG) and ethyl sulphate (ETS). Entry hair samples were tested for fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) (n = 92) and ETG (n = 146). Psychometric measures included the DSM-4 Diagnostic Interview Schedule Alcohol Module, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the time-line follow-back (TLFB), the Drinker Inventory of Consequences (DRINC) and the Temptation and Restraint Inventory (TRI). Except for FAEE, all alcohol biomarkers were related significantly to the interlock BAC test profiles; higher marker levels predicted higher rates of interlock BAC test failures. PETH, the strongest with an overall analysis of variance F ratio of 35.5, had significant correlations with all nine of the other alcohol biomarkers and with 16 of 19 psychometric variables. Urine ETG and ETS were correlated strongly with the IID BAC tests. The findings suggest that several alcohol biomarkers and assessments could play an important role in the prediction and control of driver alcohol risk when re-licensing.

Failure to reduce drinking and driving in France: a 6‐year prospective study in the GAZEL cohort

An unprecedented decline in alcohol consumption and road mortality has been observed recently in France, but it is still unclear whether or not these changes affected driving while alcohol-intoxicated (DWI). The objective of the study was to estimate prospectively trends of excessive speed on the roads, alcohol consumption and DWI between 2001 and 2007 in a large cohort of experienced drivers. Participants were current employees or recent retirees of the French national electricity and gas company, who volunteered to participate in a research cohort established in 1989 under strict conditions of anonymity. An annual cohort questionnaire is sent to participants that includes two questions about overall alcohol consumption. In 2001 and 2007, 10,684 participants reported their driving behaviours using the same self-administered questionnaire. Between 2001 and 2007, the proportion of participants (n = 10,684) who reported having driven at speeds at least 20 km/hour above the limit decreased from 23.7% to 4.1% in built-up areas (P < 0.001), from 34.3% to 9.3% on rural roads (P < 0.001) and from 24.3% to 2.7% on highways (P < 0.001). Regular and non-regular excessive alcohol consumption decreased from 22.7% to 19.7% and from 18.0% to 14.9%, respectively, whereas DWI increased from 22.9% to 25.3% over the same period (P < 0.001). A recent crackdown on road violations by the French government has failed to deter DWI. Given that DWI seems to be a sporadic and rarely punished behaviour, its prevention requires more coercive measures, such as using a breath alcohol ignition interlock device.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of an Alcohol Ignition Interlock for Installation in all Newly Registered Vehicles

Objective: This study conducted a cost-benefit analysis of an alcohol ignition interlock device in preventing alcohol-related fatalities and serious injuries when installed in all newly registered vehicles in Australia. Methods: Benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) were calculated by comparing the benefits associated with the number of road injuries the interlock was predicted to save with the costs associated with installing the device in all newly registered vehicles. Four effectiveness levels were assumed for the interlock, given that the device was not expected to prevent 100 percent of alcohol-impaired driving. Unit benefits were computed for 4, 5, and 7 percent discount rates, and for fleet life periods of 15 and 25 years. Analysis and Results: The BCRs ranged from 3.4:1 at best to 0.6:1, depending on the interlock effectiveness level, the discount rate, and the fleet life figure applied. It was estimated that the interlock could prevent between 97 (at the lowest effectiveness level of 23.8%) and 388 (at the highest effectiveness level of 95%) road fatalities per annum, with the corresponding range for serious injuries being 603 to 2414 casualties. Conclusion: It was recommended that the installation of interlock devices in all newly registered vehicles in Australia could be an effective option, from a cost-benefit analysis perspective, depending upon its level of success in preventing alcohol-impaired driving. Therefore, although this primary prevention strategy is likely to obtain lower BCRs than targeting groups who are overrepresented in alcohol-related road crashes, a substantial number of road fatalities and serious injuries would be prevented, with up to 24 percent of all fatalities and up to 11 percent of all serious injuries saved in Australia per annum. Overall, it was concluded that due to the investigated interlock's user friendliness and relative affordability in comparison to other interlocks, the device should be considered as a countermeasure for curbing the drink driving problem in Australia.

Ignition Interlock Monthly Data Reports

While drunken driving arrest rates have plummeted since the 1980s, repeat drunken driving offenders remain a serious and often deadly problem. One intervention which has demonstrated promise in reducing repeat Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offences is the ignition interlock. The ignition interlock is a breath-alcohol testing device attached to the ignition system of a motor vehicle which prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver produces a breath sample which exceeds a pre-determined alcohol level. The ignition interlock device also collects data as to the number of attempted starts, breath-alcohol levels from the starts, retests and violations resulting in the vehicle being ‘locked out’ and unavailable for use. This paper examines the data reports collected on a sample of interlock users who were court-ordered to install the device as a result of a DWI conviction in the state of Arkansas. Almost half of the subjects experienced one or more violations with a breath alcohol level that exceeded the 0.08 g/dl legal limit. More than 20 per cent had violations at the very high level of 0.15 g/dl. These data suggest that the ignition interlock may be very effective in preventing DWI recidivism among the problem ‘hard-core’ drunk driver.

False-positive breath-alcohol test after a ketogenic diet

A 59-year-old man undergoing weight loss with very low calorie diets (VLCD) attempted to drive a car, which was fitted with an alcohol ignition interlock device, but the vehicle failed to start. Because the man was a teetotaller, he was surprised and upset by this result. VLCD treatment leads to ketonemia with high concentrations of acetone, acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate in the blood. The interlock device determines alcohol (ethanol) in breath by electrochemical oxidation, but acetone does not undergo oxidation with this detector. However, under certain circumstances acetone is reduced in the body to isopropanol by hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). The ignition interlock device responds to other alcohols (e.g. methanol, n-propanol and isopropanol), which therefore explains the false-positive result. This 'side effect' of ketogenic diets needs further discussion by authorities when people engaged in safety-sensitive work (e.g. bus drivers and airline pilots) submit to random breath-alcohol tests.

Alcohol Ignition Interlock Programs

The alcohol ignition interlock is an in-vehicle DWI control device that prevents a car from starting until the operator provides a breath alcohol concentration (BAC) test below a set level, usually .02% (20 mg/dl) to .04% (40 mg/dl). The first interlock program was begun as a pilot test in California 18 years ago; today all but a few US states, and Canadian provinces have interlock enabling legislation. Sweden has recently implemented a nationwide interlock program. Other nations of the European Union and as well as several Australian states are testing it on a small scale or through pilot research. This article describes the interlock device and reviews the development and current status of interlock programs including their public safety benefit and the public practice impediments to more widespread adoption of these DWI control devices. Included in this review are (1) a discussion of the technological breakthroughs and certification standards that gave rise to the design features of equipment that is in widespread use today; (2) a commentary on the growing level of adoption of interlocks by governments despite the judicial and legislative practices that prevent more widespread use of them; (3) a brief overview of the extant literature documenting a high degree of interlock efficacy while installed, and the rapid loss of their preventative effect on repeat DWI once they are removed from the vehicles; (4) a discussion of the representativeness of subjects in the current research studies; (5) a discussion of research innovations, including motivational intervention efforts that may extend the controlling effect of the interlock, and data mining research that has uncovered ways to use the stored interlock data record of BAC tests in order to predict high risk drivers; and (6) a discussion of communication barriers and conceptual rigidities that may be preventing the alcohol ignition interlock from taking a more prominent role in the arsenal of tools used to control DWI. Whether interlock programs can help public policymakers achieve their expressed goals of substantially reducing the level of impaired driving will remain uncertain until procedural barriers and intransigent judiciary practices can be overcome that provide for more systematic routine use of interlock programs. Despite strong effectiveness evidence in all studies to date, the real potential of this technology to reduce the road toll cannot be estimated until they are more widely adopted.

Alcohol ignition interlock programmes for reducing drink driving recidivism

An ignition interlock device is part of a multi-dimensional programme aimed at reducing recidivism in convicted drink drivers. To operate a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device, the driver must first provide a breath specimen. If the breath alcohol concentration of the specimen exceeds the predetermined level, the vehicle will not start. As a measure to reduce circumvention of the device (i.e. someone else blows into the mouthpiece), random retests are required while the vehicle is running. Other components of the drink driving programme include information seminars for the driver and downloading data from the device's data logger, which logs all test attempts and records all passes, warnings and failures. To systematically assess the effectiveness of ignition interlock programmes on recidivism rates of drink drivers, by examining rates of recidivism while the ignition interlock device was installed in the vehicle and after removal of the device. The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was searched, in addition to relevant electronic databases and the Internet. Controlled trials in which offenders have been charged with drink driving and have either been sentenced to participate in an ignition interlock programme or the usual punishment (either licence suspension or some form of treatment programme). This study was not restricted by language or status of publication. One randomised controlled trial (RCT) and ten controlled trials were identified, and also three ongoing trials. Data regarding recidivism while the interlock is installed in the vehicle; after the interlock has been removed from the vehicle and total recidivism during the study were extracted and entered into analyses using RevMan. The RCT showed that the interlock programme was effective while the device was installed in the vehicle; relative risk 0.36 (95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.63). Controlled trials support this conclusion, with a general trend - in both first-time and repeat offenders - towards lower recidivism rates when the interlock device is installed. Neither the RCT nor the controlled trials provide evidence for any effectiveness of the programmes continuing once the device has been removed. In order to eliminate potential selection bias, more RCTs need to be conducted in this area so that effectiveness, as well as efficacy, can be ascertained. The interlock programme appears to be effective while the device is installed in the vehicle of the offender. Studies need to address ways of improving recidivism rates in the long term, as the major challenges are participation rates, compliance and durability.