Ontario introduced an Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension Law (ADLS) on November 29, 1996. This study aimed to evaluate public awareness of the law, it's effects on drinking-driving behaviour, and it's impact on alcohol-related fatal collisions. Knowledge and behaviour data were obtained from the Ontario Drug Monitor, a monthly cross-sectional general population survey of Ontario adults, collected during 1996 and 1997. Logistic regression analyses were conducted on the impact of the ADLS intervention on self-reported drinking-driving and knowledge of the ADLS. After introduction of the ADLS, knowledge of the sanction increased significantly and self-reported driving after drinking decreased significantly. Time series analyses of fatally injured drivers with a positive blood alcohol level demonstrated a significant intervention effect of the new law. These data suggest that there was widespread public awareness of the new law, a corresponding drop in drinking-driving behaviour, and a resultant decline in alcohol-related collisions. Preliminary analyses also indicate that the deterrent impact of the law was greatest among lighter or more moderate drinkers.
Samenvatting