This paper describes trends in drinking and driving in France and proposes a framework for the investigation of factors influencing drinking and driving. Statistics are provided for the years 1973-1996 showing a) consumption of alcohol per capita, b) number of drink driving tests carried out, c) positive alcohol tests, d) drink driving convictions, e) number of injury accidents and f) number of fatal accidents. Reasons for the trends seen in these figures are discussed. It is suggested that new methods are needed to take into account economic, demographic and cultural changes. A framework is suggested which investigates the links between types of police enforcement, driver behaviour and accidents related to alcohol and the interconnections with types of alcohol consumption, driver mobility and traffic.
Abstract