On 1 March 1998 the Danish per se limit was lowered from 0.08% to 0.05% BAC for motor vehicle drivers. Based on accident data and drivers' drinking habits before and after the change, the effect of the new limit has been evaluated. Interviews have revealed a significant decrease in the number of drinks that drivers allow themselves within a two-hour period before driving. The proportion of drivers, who would not drink at all or only have one drink, increased from 71% in 1997 to 80% in 1998. Drivers with changed drinking habits most often stated the lower limit as the main reason for having less alcohol. However, the changed habits have not resulted in a marked decrease in the proportion of injury accidents with impaired drivers. On the contrary, the proportion of fatal accidents with drink-drivers compared to all fatal accidents has increased in the after-period. Overall drink-driving offences were a little larger in 1999 than 1997, but a significant change from higher towards lower alcohol levels in 1999 can be seen.
Samenvatting