The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are in close agreement when it comes to ignition interlock devices. They work, both organizations say. In fact, spokespersons for both groups say that ignition interlocks are the most effective tool available to fight against DUI recidivism and curb drunk driving accidents.

Arizona authorities clearly see the close link between drunk drivers and car accidents, with the state being the third in the country to enact a law mandating that an interlock be installed in the vehicle of any driver caught with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or above. The law applies to even first-time offenders.

MADD officials laud that stance and want other states to emulate it. In 2006, when MADD announced an ambitious initiative to completely eliminate drunk driving across the country, only one state -- neighboring New Mexico -- already had an ignition interlock law on the books for first offenders. Louisiana followed suit in July 2007, with Arizona's law taking effect in September of that year.

Since then, 13 other states have enacted similar legislation, with Connecticut being the most recent to do so, on January 1 of this year. Twenty-four other states also mandate the use of interlocks, although their laws are comparatively watered down (e.g., providing for installation on vehicles of repeat offenders or motorists caught with alcohol levels of .15 or higher).

States without statutory interlock requirements leave the matter up to judges in individual instances.

Source: MSNBC, "Curbing drunken drivers: Should ignition interlock be required on every car?" Jim Gold, Jan. 5, 2012