Random Breath Testing (RBT) was introduced in the state of New South Wales (NSW) in 1982. Its continued operation and associated media campaigns have produced long term benefits, with the percentage of fatal crashes involving illegal blood alcohol concentration dropping by 12 percentage points since RBT, with an estimated saving of over 1600 lives. The present paper reports the results of a series of door-to-door surveys of NSW drivers' attitudes, knowledge and behaviour in relation to RBT and drink-driving. Surveys were conducted just prior to the introduction of RBT in 1982, in 1983, 1984, 1987, and 1993 (total n=3,751). The results suggest that the perceived probability of apprehension by RBT has been maintained. The long term success of RBT appears to be due to a legal deterrence effect and greater social disapproval of drink-drivers who have been viewed increasingly as irresponsible, a criminal and a potential murderer. These attitudinal changes may be accounted for in terms of cognitive dissonance: forced behavioural compliance (due to threat of legal sanctions) may have caused some dissonance which has been at least partially reconciled by less favourable attitudes towards drink-driving. (A)
Samenvatting