Random breathtesting (RBT) was introduced in Western Australia as from 1 October 1988 for a trial period of 18 months, with the stipulation that the first year was to be evaluated. Driver surveys were conducted just before and six and ten months after the introduction of RBT and showed widespread driver support. The efficiency of police enforcement of the drink-driving laws was substantially improved by the new legislation. Approximately half of all drivers in WA were stopped during the first year of RBT, and one in four were tested. Significant reductions occurred for night-time fatal, serious injury and minor injury accidents. There was some evidence that the beneficial effect of RBT may of RBT may have started to wane towards the end of the first year, which was probably related to a lack of adequate supporting publicity. A key finding of the study was that the accident reductions were achieved without the allocation of additional resources to RBT enforcement (A).
Samenvatting