Since 1970, SWOV has carried out periodic roadside surveys into the alcohol consumption of Dutch motorists during Autumn weekend nights, with the intention of obtaining an insight into the patterns of drink-driving. From 1992 on, the roadside surveys have been combined with interviewing police officers about law enforcement concerning drink-driving. Drink-driving in the Netherlands has dropped significantly since the mid-eighties. In 1983, 12% of car drivers during weekend-nights were over the legal BAC-limit of 0.05%. In 1991, this proportion had dropped to 3.9%. From 1992 on, drink-driving in the Netherlands started to increase gradually. In 1992, 4.0% of car drivers were over the legal limit, in 1993 4.2%, and in 1994 4.9%. This increase of drink-driving coincided with a thorough reorganisation of Dutch police, which lead to a decrease in the enforcement level of drinking and driving laws. In 1994, in several police districts random breath testing had almost reached a zero level. From 1995 on, police enforcement has increased again, and was in 1996 combined with harsh administrative sanctions against severe offenders. These consisted of following a compulsory educational programme and license suspension on medical grounds. Drink-driving figures have been dropping since 1995. (A)
Abstract