In an effort to reduce underage drinking and driving, a recent study developed, conducted, and evaluated a high-visibility enforcement (HVE) program targeting zero tolerance violators (i.e. underage drinking drivers). The HVE program (termed “intervention”) consisted of increased high-visibility enforcement of drinking and driving laws, featuring the use of passive alcohol sensors by police, along with a coordinated publicity campaign in two college towns. Evaluation of this program included weekend roadside surveys measuring breath alcohol concentrations (BrAC; n=6,825) as well as online surveys administered to college students in the targeted communities (n=2,061). Both surveys asked participants to self-report drinking behavior, drinking history, and perceptions of risk and awareness of special impaired driving enforcement. Findings from the roadside surveys revealed a significant reduction in drivers with BrAC ≥ 0.08g/dl during the intervention and follow-up periods. Findings from the online surveys indicated that college students under age 21 reported significantly less driving after drinking during the intervention and follow-up periods, as well as an increase in their perceived risk of being stopped after 3 drinks or while driving drunk.
Take Away: The HVE campaign implemented in this study appeared to reduce both underage drinking after driving among college students, as well as drunk driving among young adults. Substance use prevention specialists may consider partnering with police and media specialists to model this campaign on their campus or in their community. The authors also encourage others to consider HVE campaigns that incorporate messaging which effectively reduces both drunk driving and driving under the influence of other drugs.