Citation

Stevenson MR, Palamara P, Rooke M, Richardson K, Baker M, Baumwol J. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Public Health 2001; 25(6): 511-513.

Affiliation

Injury Research Centre, Department of Public Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley. marks@dph.uwa.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Public Health Association of Australia, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11824985

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Since the introduction of random breath testing (RBT) in Australia there has been a significant reduction in drink driving, as measured by alcohol-related crashes. In contrast, the prevalence of drug-related road fatalities is on the increase. One strategy that targets drink- and/or drug-driving is the promotion of a designated driver or 'skipper'. This paper determines to what extent the 'skipper' is driving alcohol or drug-free. METHODS: A convenience sample of university students from The University of Western Australia completed a questionnaire that included questions on drug and alcohol use while driving as the designated 'skipper'. RESULTS: The mean age of the 286 participants was 21 years. Among the students who reported acting as the designated 'skipper' during the past 12 months, 26% of the students drove, as the designated 'skipper,' while feeling the effects of alcohol. Similarly, 18% of students who reported using drugs drove, as the 'skipper', while feeling the effects of the drug. Multivariate analysis identified that the presence of random drug testing would act as a deterrent for drug driving while the designated 'skipper'. CONCLUSION: Although three-quarters of designated 'skippers' do not drink and/or drug drive, a sizeable proportion of young drivers continue to place themselves and, more importantly, their passengers and the entire community at an elevated risk of injury. IMPLICATIONS: Campaigns that target the responsibility of the 'skipper' and that are included as part of drink-driving campaigns would be beneficial. It is premature to be making recommendations on random drug testing for drivers.