TIRF USA, Inc. and Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB), Inc. partnered with Greenway Transportation Planning to conduct an evaluation of the ignition interlock program in Minnesota. The goal of this project was to examine the effectiveness of the ignition interlock program and to provide a comprehensive report to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety. It examined program participation and outcomes compared to eligible drivers who did not have an interlock.
The evaluation revealed that the Minnesota interlock program improved public safety by reducing recidivism among those who had driven while intoxicated. Program participants experienced fewer arrests for DWI and moving violations while in the program compared to the comparison group. Program participants were less than half as likely to commit a new DWI offense compared to a matched group of non-participants. The evaluation also showed that participation in the Minnesota program reduced the long-term risk of recidivism by 39% overall. Those for whom this was a first DWI violation see a further 12% reduction in risk of recidivating. The findings from this study are consistent with other national interlock evaluations with regard to recidivism. Recommendations to further improve the program are also included in the report.
Sponsor: Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety
Project Status: Published
If you would like more information about this or any other project, contact:
Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) USA, Inc.
tirf@tirf.us
Publications
Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program Evaluation Report
