Telephone interviews of 800 novice drivers aged under 25 addressed alcohol restrictions and other components of graduated licensing systems. Fewer drivers from Western Australia and New South Wales than other states reported an alcohol restriction as a condition of the first licence. Overall, 91 percent of drivers agreed with the alcohol restriction. Males and drivers with trade training were less likely to agree with the restriction. About 15 percent of drivers said they had sometimes drunk alcohol before driving when on their first licence. Drink driving was twice as common in WA, more common in males and in drivers with trade training. The alcohol restriction encouraged drivers to drink nonalcoholic drinks, to drink nonalcoholic drinks, to travel with friends or take a taxi or public transport when going out at night. Males were more likely than females to report that the restriction prevents or sometimes prevents them going out at night. About 85 percent of drivers reported that the penalty for drink driving was suspension or cancellation of the first licence. Almost three-quarters of drivers suggested that avoiding major roads would reduce the possibility of being detected when drink driving. The survey failed to show any strong relationship between level of enforcement and compliance. (A)
Abstract