Self-reported drinking and driving practices and attitudes in four countries and perceptions of enforcement.

A telephone survey of 2,251 drivers was conducted to compare self-reported behaviour and attitudes regarding alcohol consumption and driving in the United States with Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. U.S. respondents were less likely to say they drank and reportedly drank smaller quantities. Drivers were most likely to have been checked for alcohol in Australia (82 percent). Respondents supported tough penalties; 45-60 percent thought current penalties not tough enough. Forty-two percent in the United States, 26 percent in Australia, 35 percent in Canada, and 47 percent in the United Kingdom thought police were not doing enough enforcement. Results indicate that there is public tolerance for vigorous enforcement of tough laws and that increased enforcement in the United States and elsewhere would be an acceptable means of addressing the problem of alcohol-impaired driving.