In 1992, the number of cars per 1000 population exceeded 300. Over the past 10 years, the number of fatalities per 100,000 population was 25.3 and per 10,000 cars 9.1; this makes Slovenia one of the most dangerous countries in Europe. Alcohol consumption is considerably above European average. In a survey concerning people caught drinking and driving, 39% responded "it could happen to anybody", 20% "bad luck", 40% "served them right". In 1994, 35% of road accidents with fatal outcome were alcohol related; 33% of people responsible for accidents were under the influence; 32% of those killed in road accidents were intoxicated. In 1989, mean BAC was found to be 1.30 g/kg. Frequency of concentrations above 3 g/kg among road users was 0.97% in 1984-1992. Police interventions in traffic have increased rapidly in recent years; a national road safety programme will start in 1996. New legislation on road safety proposes a point system; all with more than permitted number of points over two years must pass a proficiency test and medical tests before getting their licence back. There will be stricter penalties for drunken driving. The goal is to halve consumption of spirits and to cut consumption of beer and wine by a third.
Samenvatting