British Drivers Are Backing Alcohol Interlocks to Tackle Drink Driving

Alcohol Interlock technology is gaining an increasing support from UK drivers, as awareness grows around new ways to prevent drink-driving and improve road safety.

With thousands of incidents linked to drink-driving every year, many drivers now recognise that prevention measures, including the use of a breathalyser connected directly to a vehicle, could play a vital role in reducing the risk.

What is an Alcohol Interlock?

An Alcohol Interlock (also known as a Vehicle Interlock) is a device installed in a vehicle. The device requires the driver to provide a breath sample before the engine will start. The system uses a built-in breathalyser to measure alcohol levels in the driver’s breath.

If the reading is above the pre-set limit, the vehicle will not start.

Alcohol Interlocks are used in countries such as: The United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. In certain countries, there a laws which require the installation of an alcohol interlock when individuals have been convicted of drink-driving offences.

Vehicle Interlocks are considered as a broader road safety measure to help reduce drink-driving related incidents.

Growing support among UK drivers

The UK’s attitude towards drink driving has shifted significantly over the past two decades. Most of Britain agrees that drink-driving is socially unacceptable, and therefore many are open to preventative technologies that help stop it before it happens.

Recent discussion around road safety reforms have highlighted that:

–      Many drivers support mandatory alcohol interlock installation for repeat drink-driving offenders.

–      Employers with fleet vehicles are exploring voluntary vehicle interlock adoptions as part of their health and safety compliance.

–      Parents and safety advocates view breathalyser systems as a way to protect families.

Simply put, an alcohol interlock prevents drink-driving before a journey begins, rather than relying solely on enforcement after the fact.

How a Vehicle Interlock Works

A typical vehicle interlock systems includes:

–      A handheld breathalyser unit, mounted near the driver’s seat.

–      A control module connected to the vehicle’s ignition system.

–      Data logging capability for monitoring compliance.

Before starting the engine, the driver must blow into the breathalyser.

–      If no alcohol is detected (or it is below the programmed limit), the vehicle starts as normal.

–      If alcohol is detected and exceeds the limit, the engine remains immobilised.

Some systems also require random rolling retests during longer journeys to ensure ongoing compliance.

Drivealyzer uses advanced fuel-cell sensors, providing high levels of accuracy and reliability.

It is important to note that vehicle interlocks are extremely sensitive to external and environmental factors. Due to this, it is important to always wait 20 minutes after consuming any food and drink, until you carry out the test.

Why Alcohol Interlocks Matter in the UK

Despite years of public awareness campaigns, drink driving remains a serious issue. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair reaction time, judgment and coordination.

An alcohol interlock offers several benefits:

–      Prevents drink driving at source.

–      Reduces reoffending rates.

–      Protects other road users.

–      Encourages behavioural change.

–      Provides reassurance form employers and families.

Evidence from other countries show that drivers with a vehicle interlock installed are significantly less likely to reoffend while the device is in place.

Alcohol Interlocks vs Standard Breathalyser

Many UK drivers already use a personal breathalyser to check alcohol levels before driving.

While useful, these devices rely on the individual making the responsible decision not to drive.

An alcohol interlock removes that risk by physically preventing the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected.

Therefore the main difference between the two is that:

–      A breathalyser advises.

–      A vehicle interlock prevents.

This distinction is why growing numbers of road safety advocates see alcohol interlocks as a meaningful next step in tackling drink driving.

Alcohol Interlocks in the UK

Although alcohol interlocks are not yet mandatory in the UK for drink driving offenders, policy discussions continue. As public support increases, the UK may follow other nations in formally integrating vehicle interlock systems into sentencing or rehabilitation programmes.

There is also increasing interest in:

–      Commercial fleet adoption.

–      Voluntary installation for high-risk drivers.

–      Insurance linked incentives.

–      Integration with broader telematic systems.

With UK drivers showing greater openness to preventative technology, the alcohol interlock conversation is currently shifting from “if” to “when”.

Please feel free to view our range of Vehicle Interlocks here.