NCJ Number
112589
Date Published
1985
Length
81 pages
Annotation
An analysis of possible ways to reduce alcohol-related traffic accidents in South Australia focused on enforcement, legislation, publicity, education and rehabilitation, and engineering.
Abstract
The specific options were considered in terms of the research evidence available regarding their effectiveness, their potential for reducing accidents, their probable costs and benefits, and needs for further research. The analysis concluded that well-publicized, highly visible police operations are preferable to methods of enforcement that maximize the rates of detection and apprehension. No evidence was found that any of the legislative measures considered would have a major effect on alcohol-related traffic accidents, although changing the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21 and lowering to zero the legal blood alcohol limit for youthful drivers would produce some benefits. Publicity aimed at raising the perceived probability of detection for drunk driving and at modeling alternatives to drinking and driving should be effective countermeasures, however. No educational or rehabilitative programs have been shown to be effective, so additional efforts in these areas should be directed to the development of new programs rather than the extension of existing ones. Some engineering improvements could be effective, however, particularly the reduction of roadside hazards. 73 references.