New data from the RAC shows that the vast majority of drivers are supportive of introducing alcohol interlocks, also known as ‘alcolocks’, to reduce the number of repeat drink-driving offences.
Alcolocks are breathalyser devices wired into a vehicle's ignition, which require the driver to blow into a handset before they can start the engine. If the device detects a level of alcohol in the breath above the legal limit for driving, the engine won't start. The devices can also require random breath tests during the journey to prevent the driver from ‘tricking it’ by having someone else blow into the handset.
Alcolocks are already used effectively in other countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Key figures from the study include:
- 87 per cent of those under 25 and 86 per cent of those aged 25 to 44 are keen to see alcolocks introduced.
73 per cent of drivers aged 65 and over are also in favour.
- 71 per cent of pro-alcolocks drivers think everyone caught over the legal limit should have to have one fitted.
- 23 per cent think only repeat drink-drivers caught on at least one previous occasion should be ordered to have them installed.
The most recent Department for Transport (DfT) figures show there were an estimated 260 deaths in crashes involving a drink-driver in 2023 and approximately 1,600 people were seriously injured in drink-driving incidents.
The RAC research also found that 14 per cent of respondents aged 25-44 per cent of respondents admitted to driving over the limit either directly after drinking or the next morning. The figure rose to 18 per cent of those aged under 25.
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