From .00 to .05 BAC: Do graduated BAC laws simply delay the young drink-driving problem by a few years?

Analysis of Victorian Police crash data has shown 21-26 year-old drivers were over-represented in alcohol-related fatal crashes during 1993-1996. This age range generally represents the period when Victorian probationary drivers progress to a full licence. Correspondingly, their legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit increases from zero to more than .05g/100ml. The present study sought to examine whether this change in BAC limit impacts on the crash involvement of 21-26 year-old drivers by comparing their drinking and driving patterns to probationary drivers (18-20 years) and an experienced driver group (31-40 years). First, current crash data was examined to identify any recent changes in the crash trend. Second, a telephone survey of 696 drivers was conducted to explore differences in the use of strategies to avoid drink-driving and rationalisations for and against drink-driving. Analyses of 1993-2000 Police-reported fatal crashes based on both recorded BAC level and High Alcohol Hours showed consistent results.. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E209619.