Visibility key to anti-drink driving measures

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by Change | 24 Dec 2008

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Drivers who engage in alcohol abuse before getting behind the wheel respond best to high-visibility initiatives, a study suggests.

Likelihood of arrest is the key deterrence factor among those likely to conduct drink driving offences, new research shows.

A study conducted by the University of Missouri and the University of Georgia has found motorists' perceptions of their chances of being arrested is the most influential way to stop them from getting behind the wheel after engaging in alcohol abuse.

In its study of US measures to tackle this form of behaviour, it found a large proportion of the legislation only affected those who were not as likely to do so - these measures included the country's 0.08 blood alcohol content and open container rules.

Among those with a high likelihood of taking part in alcohol abuse before driving, these had little-to-no effect.

In contrast, the research found increasing the perceived chance of being caught reduced the number who drank before driving.

Lilliard Richardson, a professor at the MU Truman School of Public Affairs, identifies this as the key area in which action should be taken.

He states: "The results provide support for the value of high-visibility enforcement campaigns. Public safety education and media efforts are important components of the overall strategy for reducing impaired driving."

In other news, Sussex police have begun an initiative aimed at cracking down on drivers who engage in alcohol abuse before getting behind the wheel two weeks early.

The drinking driving campaign began on November 17th and aims to maximise the visibility of those involved with the scheme.

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