SELF-REPORTED DRINKING AND DRIVING PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES IN FOUR COUNTRIES AND PERCEPTIONS OF ENFORCEMENT

Abstract

A telephone survey of 2,251 drivers was conducted to compare self-reported behavior and attitudes regarding alcohol consumption and driving in the United States with Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. U.S. respondents were less likely to say they drank and reportedly drank smaller quantities than respondents in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Drivers were most likely to have been checked for alcohol in Australia (82%). Respondents supported tough penalties; 45%-60% thought current penalties were not tough enough. Forty two percent in the United States, 26% in Australia, 35% in Canada, and 47% in the United Kingdom thought police were not doing enough enforcement. Results indicate that there is public tolerance for vigorous enforcement of tough laws and that increased enforcement in the United States and elsewhere would be an acceptable means of addressing the problem of alcohol-impaired driving.