Bring a Smart Car to Campus

A "smart car" is a vehicle that has been equipped with an ignition interlock device requiring the driver to blow into an instrument that will prevent the vehicle from being operated if the driver is legally intoxicated.

Research shows that ignition interlock devices are one of the most effective ways of keeping convicted drunk drivers from continuing to drive impaired.  There are currently about 100,000 interlocks in service in the U.S. even though there are 1.4 million DUI/DWI arrests made every year.  Clearly, interlock devices are significantly underused despite the fact that they are proven to be up to 90 percent effective in eliminating repeat drunk driving offenses. 

Research has documented a decline when interlocks are a part of sentencing for repeat drunk driving offenders. However, even a first-time offender has driven drunk an average of 87 times before they’re finally arrested.  MADD would like to require interlock devices be court-ordered for all convicted drunk drivers.

Students, Faculty – Staff, Law Enforcement, and Community Members

• Determine who in your community installs ignition interlock devices and invite them to bring a "smart car" to campus.  (hint: try a web search for retailers in your community)
  
• Arrange with the university to set up a display where people can get an idea of how the device works.
• Try and arrange for a presentation to present the state laws regarding the use of ignition interlocks.
• Develop and deliver messages outlining the costs of a DUI/DWI conviction including the fees associated with installing and maintaining an interlock on a vehicle.
• Set up an email drive to get people to send emails to their legislators to demand ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.