The main objective of this project was to estimate the proportion of drink-drivers on the road in Victoria who had consumed beer recently. In addition, the data collected was analysed in a way that allowed the role of beer to be estimated for crash-involved drink-drivers. Data was obtained from reports completed by breathalyzer operators from drink-drivers apprehended at random breath test stations or through random routine police checks. It was estimated that, during 1993/94, 64% of drink-drivers on the road had consumed beer-only prior to police apprehension in Melbourne. Results for the rest of Victoria showed 78% of drivers had consumed beer only. Estimates obtained for crash-involved drink-drivers were similar to the on-road results, with 65% and 74% of drink-drivers consuming beer only prior to a crash in Melbourne and the rest of Victoria, respectively. Victorian alcohol sales patterns were compared to other Australian states and territories and it was concluded that Victoria beer sales patterns were representative of the other jurisdictions. (A)
Abstract