The paper examines differences in drink and driving legislation throughout Europe. Available statistics are examined to illustrate how accidents are related to alcohol in each country. Details are given of the number of alcohol tests made by the police per year. The methods of testing and alcohol limits are given. Countries in Europe have widely differing blood alcohol levels, and in some there is no punishment if an accident has not been caused. There are shown to be large variations in the percentage probability of a motorist being stopped for a breath test in different countries. National budgets for publicity on drinking and driving per year are compared. Designated driver campaigns have had differing degrees of success in many countries. It is suggested that unfettered police discretion to breath-testing could achieve more results.
Abstract