The citizens' movement against drunken driving and the prevention of risky driving: A preliminary assessment

Abstract

This paper examines the recent citizens' movement against drunken driving as an approach to the prevention of risky driving. By 1985, the movement included two national umbrella organizations, a number of regional and statewide coalitions, and over 450 local organizations. In 1985, many local anti-drunken driving citizens' groups (ADDCGs) pursued state legislation designed to (1) restrict the availability of alcoholic beverages; (2) enhance the deterrent qualities of drinking-driving laws; and (3) generally improve traffic safety. Most ADDCGs were involved in efforts to persuade law enforcement agencies to more vigorously enforce drinking-driving laws. Most ADDCGs were also heavily involved in public education efforts. While these strategies suggest that these local groups may have some promise of influencing the incidence of drinking and driving, a preliminary analysis found no evidence that the presence and selected characteristics of ADDCGs resulted in reduced county-level fatal accident rates in 1985.