NCJ Number
74824
Date Published
1979
Length
76 pages
Annotation
The activities and accomplishments of the Oklahoma City Alcohol Safety Action Project (ASAP) to combat drinking drivers are described from 1972 through 1976.
Abstract
The project aimed to effect a significant reduction in alcohol-related, fatal and serious injury traffic accidents. Its chief enforcement agent was the Oklahoma City Police Department's Alcohol Traffic Safety Unit -- 21 personnel who concentrated their efforts on alcohol related traffic offenses. A followup unit and a mobile alcohol laboratory operated within the special unit. Personnel received intensive training in detecting, apprehending and processing suspect drivers. In addition, the municipal court system was enlarged to expedite the adjudication of the additional caseload resulting from enforcement activities, and extra prosecutors were placed on duty. Since many persons who commit alcohol-related traffic offenses are problem drinkers, rehabilitation countermeasures were also introduced. Alcohol treatment centers offered group and individual therapy as well as the services of psychologists and social workers; a hospital provided a 30-day treatment program; and a number of agencies and organizations were available for additional services. As a result, ASAP enforcement personnel effected 17,187 arrests during the 5-year period, and arrests per man hour increased threefold. Furthermore, the courts disposed of 15,027 drinking-under-the-influence cases, which 94.9 percent resulted in convictions. The average processing time for offenders decreased from 129 days in 1971 to 65 days in 1976. A publicity campaign significantly improved the knowledge and attitudes of drivers. Finally, the average of 26 impactable alcohol-related fatal accidents for 1973 through 1976 was below that for 1972 (35) and for 1971 (39). Data tables and graphs are provided.