This paper presents some results of a study of drivers in Berlin and Potsdam, to test a hypothesis about the likely effects of German reunification on drink and driving problems in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). It first summarises the different ways in which these problems were experienced in the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). The hypothesis tested was that, for at least some months, differences between the former GDR and FRG would persist in: (1) established levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) during drinking and driving; (2) judgements by test personnel during medical and psychological examinations of drivers; (3) reported drinking habits; (4) medical examination data. Data and materials of drink-drive offenders were studied, for offenders who had come to investigation centres in Berlin and Potsdam for examination. Only first offenders were included, who had no other traffic offences. There were 72 drivers in the sample, of whom 42 and 30 came from the former FRG and GDR, respectively. The following criteria were examined separately for these two groups: (1) age; (2) gender; (3) BAC at time of offence; (4) drinking habits; (5) medical findings; (6) psychologists' opinions. The hypothesis was generally confirmed.
Samenvatting