NCJ Number
86592
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 49 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1982) Pages: 42-54
Date Published
1982
Length
13 pages
Annotation
A series of four articles discusses efforts to counter the drunk driving problem in California, Maryland, New York State, and Ohio.
Abstract
The California plan to address drunk driving has focused on legislative change, more effective enforcement, and public awareness campaigns in targeted communities. New California laws specify that a blood alcohol level of .10 constitutes being intoxicated, increase penalties for drunk driving convictions, and require any reduction of a drunk driving charge to carry the notation that the offense was alcohol related, so that a subsequent offense of driving while intoxicated (DWI) will be considered a second DWI offense. Maryland developed a statewide DWI Countermeasures Program that included the following elements: (1) retraining of all enforcement personnel in DWI enforcement and detection techniques, (2) the development of an incentive and recognition program for DWI enforcement, (3) each local installation's planning of a selective traffice enforcement program in its area of responsibility, and (4) the establishment of a close working relationship between the Maryland State's attorney and district courts. A public awareness campaign was also undertaken. New York State's Governor's Alcohol and Highway Safety Task Force developed recommendations in five areas: a unified enforcement campaign, a revised administrative license suspension process, a public information campaign, rehabilitation, and education. Ohio's recent new DWI program includes support for the State Health Department's alcohol testing program, including DWI test specimen analysis and training of police personnel to perform breath tests; an extensive package of special enforcement programs; and a multimedia public information campaign.