Alcohol link in fatal accidents

Press, 26 October 1982, Page 6

Alcohol link in fatal accidents

Alcohol is evident in about half of the fatal road accidents in New Zealand, according to a D.S.I.R. survey. The survey, which is based on fatal road accidents reported in 1980, is discussed in the D.S.I.R.’s recent publication. "Alcohol. Drugs and the New Zealand Driver." It consists of a collection of scientific articles compiled by H. M. Stone of the Chemistry Division. D.S.I.R. Other findings included in the discussion are that most drivers stopped for breath or blood testing are male and a high proportion are unskilled workers. In the Auckland region one in eight drivers tested were stopped again within five years. The survey describes the technical aspects of bloodalcohol and drug testing, the different testing and analysis

procedures and their accuracy, computer control of the analysis and clerical systems, the stability of blood samples, and the accuracy of the evidential breath test. It is estimated that the introduction of breathalcohol testing in 1978 produced a 64 per cent reduction in blood sampling. The survey concludes that, although accidents statistics have been influenced by recent big changes in speed limits and petrol prices, the drink-driving legislation has reduced the number of accidents caused by the drinking driver. "Alcohol. Drugs and the New Zealand Driver" is available from the publications officer. Science Information Division. D.5.1.R., P.O. Box 9741, Wellington, for $B, plus 36c for packing and postage.