In the US and several countries in Europe, alcohol interlocks have been used in DUI (driving under influence)-offender programs in order to support offenders through the period of rehabilitation. The Austrian Road Safety Board (KFV) has started a pilot project for a probation model. In all the pilot projects with alcohol interlocks, the KFV cooperates closely with the BMVIT, the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology. The goal of the probation model is to reduce the number of drink-driving offences. The specific goal of the pilot study was to test the process from installation to removal of the device with all its practical aspects and by this conduct a feasibility study. Thirty drivers were driving for 6 months in four different regions of Austria with an alcohol interlock device installed in their cars. The drivers were monitored and supported by mentors that read out the data and had a supervisory session with the drivers. All drivers had committed a DUI-offence within the last four years. The participants showed a high acceptance of the device, the handling was mostly described as easy. The device was seen as a good alternative to the revocation of the driver’s license and supportive in separating drinking and driving. The continuous support by the mentors was seen as very important and the connection between the read out and the mentoring in order to really understand the data and get support throughout the process of the probation model was confirmed by all participants.
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