A successful high-visibility enforcement intervention targeting underage drinking drivers

Abstract

Aims: To measure the effectiveness of a high-visibility enforcement campaign to reduce rates of underage drinking and driving.

Design: Mixed-model analysis compares rates of drinking and driving (1) between the baseline and intervention period and (2) between the baseline and follow-up period. The impact of the intervention was evaluated using roadside surveys and web surveys.

Setting: Two college-town communities in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Participants: Study participants consisted of 6825 drivers stopped, interviewed and breathalyzed on weekend nights. Web survey data were collected from 2061 students from large state universities in each community.

Intervention: Increased high-visibility enforcement of drinking and driving laws, featuring the use of passive alcohol sensors by police, along with a coordinated publicity campaign.

Measures: Roadside surveys measured breath alcohol concentrations (BrAC) of drivers. The web surveys measured self-reported drinking.

Findings: Mixed-model analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in drivers with BrACs ≥ 0.08 g/dl during the intervention and follow-up periods, F(2, 5744) = 6.5, P < 0.01. The web-survey revealed that students under age 21 also reported significantly less driving after drinking during the intervention and follow-up periods, F(2, 1767) = 4.6, P < 0.01.

Conclusions: A high-visibility enforcement campaign targeting underage drinking and driving appeared to reduce both underage driving after drinking among US college students as well as drunk driving (breath alcohol concentration ≥ 0.08 g/dl) at any age..

Keywords: Drinking and driving; high-visibility enforcement; intervention; passive alcohol sensor; roadside surveys; zero tolerance.