Which way forward ? : a review of drink driving countermeasures in selected countries world-wide.

De Portman Group works to reduce alcohol misuse. One of the most dangerous types of misuse, often leading to tragedy, is drink driving. Since our formation in 1989, we have given high priority to addressing this problem through educational and advertising campaigns. These campaigns have contributed to a steady fall in drink drive fatalities, which now stand at 580 a year compared with over 1800 in 1980. In the last few years, however, this downward trend has slowed down and we must ask whether new countermeasures are needed to achieve further improvement. We commissioned this research to assess the effectiveness of countermeasures worldwide, so that the debate about what would work in the UK could be better informed. In the light of this research, we are convinced not only that new countermeasures should be introduced, but that they should be targeted at offenders with high blood alcohol levels and at repeat offenders, because these two groups account for the majority of drink-drive accidents. A reduction in the legal blood alcohol limit has been widely thought to be the obvious next step. But this research shows that to reduce the legal limit alone would be of limited benefit only. Experience shows that a much more significant, sustained and long-term impact could be achieved by a four-point programme, even if the legal limit were left unchanged. These vital four measures are: a) stricter enforcement, b) tougher punishment c) rehabilitation schemes, d) continuous public education and publicity. This research report presents a detailed picture of the practical options and the strategic priorities available within these measures. Many of them will not come cheap, but the political will to command the necessary resources would surely be rewarded by fewer deaths on the road and by more civilised attitudes and behaviour from those who are currently a danger behind the wheel. In the meantime, the Portman Group's message, communicated through our well-resourced campaign, continues to be: if you drink, let others drive. (A)