NCJ Number
131992
Journal
Alcohol, Drugs and Driving Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1991) Pages: 83-92
Date Published
1991
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the changes in the frequency of driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses since 1970, relevant demographic data, and government policy efforts to cope with the problem using recent data on the extent of the drinking while driving problem in the Netherlands.
Abstract
National surveys to determine the extent of drinking and driving by motorists have been conducted periodically on weekend nights between 1970 and 1988. It is estimated that about 200 people are killed annually in the Netherlands as a result of drunken driving. Alcohol accidents occur more frequently during weekend nights, and drinking and driving is predominantly a problem of adult males. The introduction of 0.05 percent limit in 1974, compulsory blood testing, and roadside breath testers has resulted in an increase in the level of traditional enforcement, but has had a limited long-term effect on drinking and driving. Since 1980, the percentage of drinking drivers during weekend nights has halved, and the number of alcohol-related accidents has decreased relative to other accidents. The changes seem to be due to a combination of factors which include gradually improved law enforcement and ongoing, large-scale publicity campaigns. Drinking and driving continues to be a major road safety problem in the Netherlands despite the changes since 1980. 6 tables and 9 references (Author abstract modified)