Random breath testing in Australia: a complex deterrent

Abstract

Abstract: Australian road fatalities are currently at their lowest level for many years. It is argued that one reason for this decline is the success of random breath testing (RBT) and random stopping programs in some parts of Australia. There is evidence that RBT in New South Wales has been a remarkably successful law, with a 36% decline in alcohol‐related fatalities which has been sustained for 5 years. Survey data support the conclusion that RBT in NSW has had a powerful and sustained deterrent impact especially on heavy drinkers, although there is evidence that deterrence is an unstable process. However, RBT and random stopping have not been as successful in other parts of Australia. The key ingredients for success appear to be continued, highly visible police enforcement, with about one motorist in three being tested each year, together with extensive publicity, particularly in the early stages. The mechanisms whereby RBT may change drink‐driving behaviour are complex. They include simple deterrence, reductions in pressures to drink in group situations, and alterations in drinking patterns (including the adoption of practices such as counting drinks rather than relying on feelings, leading to less drink‐driving but probably also a reduction in total alcohol consumption). The NSW experience suggests that a successful deterrent may eventually bring about changes in attitudes to drinking and driving (“moral deterrence”.