Alcohol

The involvement of drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs in fatal crashes occurs with drivers of all ages although statistically youth and young adults (aged up to 25 in particular, but also up to age 35) and males have much higher levels of alcohol/drug involvement.

For every 100 drunk or drugged drivers killed in traffic crashes, 54 of their passengers are killed and 42 sober road users die with them.

As well as the obvious personal cost, the social cost of alcohol is estimated at $838 million, approximately one fifth of the social cost associated with all traffic related injury crashes.

 Local projects addressing alcohol/drug-related motor vehicle crashes focus on reducing community tolerance of drink driving, reducing the number of recidivist drink drivers and encouraging people to use sober designated drivers to get home when alcohol has been available.

Initiatives include:

• Support of national campaigns through local dissemination of information and resources
• Youth and community education and promotion (e.g. SADD - Students Against Driving Drunk, education sessions at public and community events, drink driving education in schools, etc.)
• Education sessions using Fatal Vision Goggles to raise awareness of effects of alcohol on co-ordination and cognition
• Education to promote host responsibility in sports clubs and licensed premises
• Compulsory breath testing at police check points