Pedestrian alcohol impairment is a factor in almost half of all fatal crashes involving pedestrians over the age of 16 years. Although the numbers and rates of adult pedestrian fatalities have decreased over the last decade, the significant decline in the extent of alcohol involvement observed among fatally injured drivers has not been evident among fatally injured pedestrians. In 1994, Austroads commissioned a project to review the current knowledge and experience in relation to alcohol and pedestrian crashes, and provide recommendations on possible countermeasures and future information needs. The objectives of this project were: (a) to review published research on the safety of alcohol-impaired pedestrians and assess countermeasures to reduce the incidence of crashes; (b) to assess the data needs and the adequacy of current data sources for targeting, monitoring and researching crashes involving alcohol-impaired pedestrians; (c) to describe the most effective ways of reducing the exposure of pedestrians to excessive alcohol consumption and to develop broad guidelines for community based, legislative, enforcement and traffic engineering countermeasures. Two consultants were engaged to undertake this research: Ms Oksana Holubowycz reviewed the research with respect to the extent of the problem, the human and environmental factors involved and assessed data needs and countermeasures. This review identifies the gaps in our knowledge and the data and research requirements needed to fill them. Mr Erik Hopkinson was engaged to identify key stakeholders, assess the acceptability and effectiveness of countermeasures and develop an approach that has broad support amongst key stakeholders. This report puts the view that the National Alcoholic Beverage Industry Council (NABIC) is prepared to work with government authorities to develop strategies at a national level, and to work with police, road traffic and liquor licensing authorities and community groups to address particular problems at a local level. This report incorporates the findings and recommendations of both consultants. It presents a summary of the current state of knowledge on alcohol impairment and pedestrian crashes and sets broad directions for further development of countermeasures in this area. It also provides an insight into the problem from the point of view of the liquor industry. (A)
Abstract