Media Advisory - 11th Annual International Alcohol Interlock Symposium

OTTAWA, Oct. 15 /CNW/ - The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) will host the 11^th Annual International Alcohol Interlock Symposium, October 17-19, 2010, in Montebello, Quebec.

Opening remarks will be delivered by Johanne St-Cyr, Vice-President of Road Safety of SAAQ, on behalf of the host province, to welcome over one hundred symposium delegates from Europe, Australia, Canada, the United States, South America, and African countries. Ms. St-Cyr will be available after the opening proceedings to answer questions from the media.

The theme of this year's event is "Harmonizing Policies and Practices". Sessions will involve a mixture of panel presentations and discussion groups to identify opportunities for harmonization in a variety of areas. The agenda will also include updates on international progress and special workshops designed to meet the needs of interested professionals with varying knowledge about alcohol interlocks.

Event: 11th Annual International Alcohol Interlock Symposium

Begins: Sunday October 17^th, 2010, 1:00 p.m.

Opening Proceedings: Monday October 18th, 8:45 a.m.               

Wrap Up: Tuesday October 19^th, 4:30 p.m.

Where:     Fairmont Le Château Montebello
                 392 rue Notre Dame
                 Montebello, Quebec  J0V1L0

Full program details are available at www.interlocksymposium.com.

About the Symposium

Since 2000, the Annual International Alcohol Interlock Symposia have collected the current state of knowledge about alcohol interlocks. The goal of these symposia has been to advance all facets in the field of alcohol interlocks and support the development of evidence-based programs and practices to reduce impaired driving. Research demonstrates that these breath testing devices attached to a vehicle starter are an effective tool to separate drinking from driving. They reduce recidivism by an average of 60%. Today, jurisdictions around the world are strengthening and expanding alcohol interlock programs in a variety of settings.

For further information:

If you plan to attend or need more information, please contact:

Sara Oglestone
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF)
Cellular [phone]
Office [phone] ext. 304
[email protected]
www.tirf.ca