An Evaluation of the Random Breath Testing Initiative in Victoria 1989-1990. Quasi-experimental time series approach

Monash University Accident Research Centre - Report #37 - 1992

Authors: A. Drummond, G. Sullivan & A. Cavallo

Full report in .pdf format [4.5MB]

Abstract:

This report presents the findings of a quasi-experimental evaluation of the impact of the Random Breath Testing (RBT) initiative in Victoria on fatal and serious casualty crashes during high alcohol times of the week in 1990. Bus-based RBT stations using highly visible "Booze Buses" largely replaced car-based stations. This was combined with a multi-million dollar, Statewide anti-drink driving publicity campaign using all mass media, which was launched in mid December 1989, reinforced throughout 1990 and applied intermittently in subsequent periods.

It was found the initiative reduced fatal crashes during high alcohol tunes of the week in Melbourne by 19%, relative to what was expected. However, there was no statistically significant effect on serious casualty crashes during high alcohol times in Melbourne.

Serious casualty crashes during high alcohol times in a part of rural Victoria (generally closest to Melbourne) also dropped by 1 5%, although the apparent absence of an effect on rural fatal crashes linked this drop more tentatively to the initiative.

Sponsor: Transport Accident Commission