Implementing impaired driving countermeasures : Putting research into action. A symposium, August 21-23, 2003, Irvine, California
Publication details: Washington DC Transportation research E-circular E-C072, 2005Description: 167 sSubject(s): Online resources: Abstract: The past two decades have seen impressive reductions in alcohol-related traffic deaths in the United States and Canada as well as other parts of the world; recently this progress has been stalled, or in the case of the United States, reversed. Research and evaluation in traffic safety and policy have identified a variety of strategies with strong evidence of effectiveness. While some of the most effective strategies have been widely adopted and have most likely contributed to the progress that has been made, other strategies with significant potential have not been vigorously implemented. This workshop provided an opportunity for researchers, policy makers, trauma surgeons, advocates, and implementers to discuss issues regarding proven but underutilized strategies, such as sobriety checkpoints, alcohol policy, primary enforcement of seat belt laws, and vehicle sanctions for impaired driving offenders. These strategies vary with regard to the system responsible for their implementation: some must be enacted through legislation; some must be implemented by the judicial system or by administrative and regulatory bodies; some rely on law enforcement agencies. Participants discussed barriers to implementation and how researchers can play a role in overcoming these barriers.The past two decades have seen impressive reductions in alcohol-related traffic deaths in the United States and Canada as well as other parts of the world; recently this progress has been stalled, or in the case of the United States, reversed. Research and evaluation in traffic safety and policy have identified a variety of strategies with strong evidence of effectiveness. While some of the most effective strategies have been widely adopted and have most likely contributed to the progress that has been made, other strategies with significant potential have not been vigorously implemented. This workshop provided an opportunity for researchers, policy makers, trauma surgeons, advocates, and implementers to discuss issues regarding proven but underutilized strategies, such as sobriety checkpoints, alcohol policy, primary enforcement of seat belt laws, and vehicle sanctions for impaired driving offenders. These strategies vary with regard to the system responsible for their implementation: some must be enacted through legislation; some must be implemented by the judicial system or by administrative and regulatory bodies; some rely on law enforcement agencies. Participants discussed barriers to implementation and how researchers can play a role in overcoming these barriers.