Evaluation of the ACT Alcohol Interlock Program

One of the most significant causes of deaths and serious injuries on Australasian roads is drink-driving. It has been estimated that up to 30 percent of drivers and motorcyclists killed on Australasian roads were driving/riding with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over the legal limit (0.05mg/l). A promising Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology to manage ongoing safe driving for these groups is alcohol ignition interlock technology. Alcohol Interlock Programs (AIPs) designed to address high level drink-driving offences or recidivism are in operation in all Australian jurisdictions. The ACT Alcohol Interlock Program came into effect on 17th June, 2014. This research employs a mixed method design utilising program administration data, self report surveys, stakeholder interviews, and AIP design from other jurisdictions to undertake a best practice comparison with the ACT AIP. The findings suggest that the current ACT AIP adheres to overall best practice alcohol interlock program principles however, recommendations to further enhance the program are provided. Following this, an empirical outcome evaluation, purposefully designed for the ACT AIP is presented.