NCJ Number
111799
Journal
Accident Analysis and Prevention Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: (1987) Pages: 159-181
Date Published
1987
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article discusses countermeasures to reduce impaired driving and alcohol-related accidents and fatalities in Canada and evaluates their effectiveness.
Abstract
Legal measures, public information and education campaigns, and rehabilitative programs are described as intervention strategies to prevent or detect and remove impaired drivers. Also described are legislative measures enacted to increase apprehension and deter impaired drivers, including the 1968-1969 Criminal Law Amendment Act, the 1976 Roadside Breathtesting legislation, and the 12-hour License Suspension law. Analysis indicates the effectiveness of countermeasures has been limited and short-term. Additional countermeasures included enforcement programs incorporating high visibility, including the Alberta Check Stop, Reduce Impaired Driving in Etobicoki (RIDE), Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE), Niagara Drinking and Driving Project, and the British Columbia Counterattack Programme. Seven Canadian rehabilitation programs for convicted impaired drivers, conducted in Alberta, North Bay, Oshawa, Chatham, British Columbia, Newfoundland, and Saskatchewan, are summarized. Overall findings suggest the need for a comprehensive approach which tackles both drinking and driving habits. A systems-oriented strategy would focus on motivational factors and alternative actions to drinking and driving. Tabular data and 50 references. (Author abstract modified)