Random breath testing (RBT) was first introduced in New South Wales, Australia, in December 1982. The deterrence based model of RBT used in New South Wales focused upon preventing drinkers from becoming drivers, rather than upon catching and punishing drink drivers. In this way it differed from many models used both in 1982 and currently in most areas of the world. Prior to the introduction of RBT in Australia, the literature had indicated that the impact of legislation addressing drink driving was generally short term. The initial impact of RBT on road casualties was great, with strong evidence to suggest that RBT resulted in a decline in casualty crashes in New South Wales. Recent research examining the long term effects of RBT in NSW has found that the significant reduction in "drinking hours" accidents following the introduction of RBT has been maintained. Twelve years of RBT in NSW has proved the long term viability and effectiveness of deterrence based RBT. How has this been achieved and how can the success be continued? A key element leading to the success of RBT in New South Wales has been the high visibility Police enforcement activities. The paper presentation will examine the method and nature of Police RBT activities when RBT was first introduced, and the reasoning behind them. The paper will also examine how these activities have developed and been enhanced in the subsequent years, through developments such as mobile RBT. The paper will then go on to focus on the challenge of maintaining the enthusiasm and focus of both the public and the Police for RBT, and the challenges involved in using and maintaining a deterrence model of policing. (The paper consists of this abstract).
Abstract