NCJ Number
80699
Journal
Australian Police Journal Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1981) Pages: 141-148
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The effects of measures used in New South Wales, Australia, to reduce driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) violations are examined.
Abstract
Steps to reduce DWI offenses in New South Wales have included an education campaign, additional enforcement of DWI offenses, severer penalties, and the lowering of the legal limit of blood alcohol to .05 percent. The study designed to measure the effectiveness of these strategies involved the examination of data on the number and results (blood alcohol content) of breath analysis tests conducted in Sydney, Australia, during periods before and after the educational campaign in 1974, the introduction of more severe penalties in 1978, mandatory periods of disqualification in 1979, and the start of the .05 blood alcohol limit in 1980. Legislation provides that breath analysis tests can be conducted on drivers if they committed a driving offense, were involved in a motor vehicle accident, or manifested suspicious driving behavior. While the number of breath analysis tests conducted during the periods examined increased considerably, particularly following periods of intense enforcement of DWI laws, the percentage of blood alcohol levels above .15 has gradually decreased, notably following the media educational campaign. An examination of the annual number of persons killed on New South Wales roads since 1972 shows that the total has remained almost static, notwithstanding significant increases in the number of registered motor vehicles and driver licenses. The educational campaign designed to change DWI behavior shows particular promise. Tabular and graphic data on study results are provided.