Understanding the context of alcohol impaired driving for fatal crash–involved drivers: A descriptive case analysis

Abstract

Alcohol-impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes. The popularity of drinking at home, particularly in rural areas, has implications for police enforcement strategies and suggests that drink driving interventions that focus on community values and looking after friends might be beneficial. Importantly, the study highlights the need for a broader holistic approach to reduce the high levels of alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence underlying drink driving behavior.

Methamphetamine and alcohol detection in vehicle‐driver fatalities in South Australia: A 10‐year survey (2008–2018)

“…However, the curved nature of the trend suggests that this decline is starting to plateau, something which has been reflected Australia‐wide (33). The sustained level of driver fatalities can be attributed to habitual high consumption drinkers with persistent behavioral patterns of alcohol use and driving, including alcohol dependence, and drunk‐driving reoffending, with a significant proportion of these fatalities having quite high levels of blood alcohol detected (12, 36). Another useful countermeasure against drunk‐driving recidivism is the alcohol interlock scheme (36), a vehicle‐installed system that requires that the driver to provide an alcohol‐free breath sample before the vehicle can be started.…”

“…The sustained level of driver fatalities can be attributed to habitual high consumption drinkers with persistent behavioral patterns of alcohol use and driving, including alcohol dependence, and drunk‐driving reoffending, with a significant proportion of these fatalities having quite high levels of blood alcohol detected (12, 36). Another useful countermeasure against drunk‐driving recidivism is the alcohol interlock scheme (36), a vehicle‐installed system that requires that the driver to provide an alcohol‐free breath sample before the vehicle can be started. The earlier voluntary alcohol interlock program in South Australia, which commenced in 2001, was replaced in 2009 by a mandatory interlock program for serious drunk‐driving offenders.…”

“…The earlier voluntary alcohol interlock program in South Australia, which commenced in 2001, was replaced in 2009 by a mandatory interlock program for serious drunk‐driving offenders. Research has also shown that the social activity of drinking has moved from licensed venues to private homes and property, particularly in rural locations, and so the focus of RBTs and mobile testing may need to be on residential arterial roads (36). Similar strategies such as roadside drug testing, have been in place since 2008 to detect and reduce driving under the influence of drugs however recent increases hospital‐admitted cases would suggest the current strategy is not effective (12).…”

“…The sustained level of driver fatalities can be attributed to habitual high consumption drinkers with persistent behavioral patterns of alcohol use and driving, including alcohol dependence, and drunkdriving reoffending, with a significant proportion of these fatalities having quite high levels of blood alcohol detected (12,36). Another useful countermeasure against drunk-driving recidivism is the alcohol interlock scheme (36), a vehicle-installed system that requires that the driver to provide an alcohol-free breath sample before the testing may need to be on residential arterial roads (36). Similar strategies such as roadside drug testing, have been in place since 2008 to detect and reduce driving under the influence of drugs however recent increases hospital-admitted cases would suggest the current strategy is not effective (12).…”

Drivers with alcohol use disorders and their risks of crash involvement

“…The proportion is even higher among repeat offenders (Jones and Lacey, 2000; Perrine, 1990). Meanwhile, problem drinking was also prevalent among alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes (Baker and Chen, 2001; Baker et al, 2002; Voas et al, 2006; Wundersitz and Raftery, 2017). For example, Baker et al (2002) found that 21% to 61% of drivers in fatal crashes were “problem drinkers” among those with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) ⩾ .15 g/dl.…”