At May 1st, 1998, 0.05% was introduced as a new BAC limit in Germany. German accident statistics of the last few years indicate that the introduction of this 0.05% BAC limit resulted in a decrease in the number of alcohol-related crashes even taking into account the steady reduction found during the last decade. Possible mechanisms of this reduction are examined by means of a roadside survey conducted at the end of 1997 in Thüringen (part of the former GDR) and Unterfranken (part of Bavaria). More than 2,000 drivers were stopped at weekend nights and were asked for a breath alcohol sample. Additionally, a short interview was conducted. The refusal rates were extremely low: 95.8% in Unterfranken and 98.2% in Thüringen provided a breath alcohol sample. The results of this roadside survey was compared to the German Roadside Survey 1992-1994 which was conducted in the same areas with an identical procedure examining more than 20,000 drivers. The analysis of long-term changes from 1992 to 1997 indicates that the reduction in the frequency of DUI is mainly caused by an increasing number of police controls as perceived by the drivers. Differences between former East and West Germany are discussed.
Abstract