Citation

Israelstam SM, Lambert S. Proc. Int. Counc. Alcohol Drugs Traffic Safety Conf. 1977; 1977: 94-95.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1977, The author(s) and the Council, Publisher International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Two hundred and thirty seven of 551 delegates of the 6th International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs, and Traffic Safety who were sent questionnaires returned them filled out according to instructions. The questionnaire consisted of 42 steps or countermeasures suggested at the Conference for the alleviation of the drinking-driving problem. Each step was measured by a seven point scale. The steps considered to be the most effective were the ones to do with detection (increasing the perceived likelihood of being apprehended, legalized roadside breath testing) and education (of the public, and of primary and high school children). Steps concerning therapy and research were seen as effective but the group was divided on steps concerning the changing of public attitudes. Although research has shown that drinking restrictions decrease problems directly related to drinking of alcoholic beverages and that lowering the drinking age increases such problems, steps relating to drinking restrictions and raising the drinking age were not popular. It was thus concluded that public opinion affected the attitudes of the respondents more than scientific findings. /Author/