International Conference on Research Methodology for Roadside Surveys of Drinking-Driving: Alcohol Countermeasures Workshop

Carr, Brian; Borkenstein, R. F.; Perrine, M. W.; Van Berkom, Lowell C.; Voas, Robert B. · 1974 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This document reports on the International Conference on Research Methodology for Roadside Surveys of Drinking-Driving, held in Paris in May 1974. Sponsored by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and organized by the National Safety Council, the conference aimed to standardize research methodologies for roadside surveys to facilitate international comparisons and improve the development of alcohol countermeasures. The event addressed the lack of reliable data regarding the effectiveness of various drinking-driving interventions, arguing that roadside surveys provide necessary direct behavioral measures of alcohol involvement in driving, which accident statistics alone cannot offer. The conference brought together thirty specialists from twelve nations and five international organizations. The proceedings included reviews of classical and recent roadside surveys, discussions on survey methodology, and demonstrations of breath-testing techniques. A key component was the promotion of a standardized experimental design core developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The conference utilized reference materials, including a Canadian Ministry of Transport publication and a manual developed by the National Safety Council, to guide participants in conducting scientifically rigorous surveys. The agenda focused on characterizing the drinking-driving problem, supporting international comparisons, and evaluating countermeasures through baseline and trend data. The document details findings from several historical and contemporary roadside surveys to illustrate methodological variations and results. For instance, a 1973 U.S. national survey involving 3,698 motorists found that 22.6% had been drinking, with 13.5% showing probable impairment (BAC ≥ 0.05%) and 5.0% legally impaired (BAC ≥ 0.10%). Other reviewed studies, such as those in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Burlington, Vermont, highlighted differences in refusal rates, sampling locations (accident sites vs. random), and testing devices. The conference reaffirmed recommendations from a 1973 Zurich conference, urging countries to adopt standard criteria for defining fatal accidents and reporting alcohol presence in victims. The significance of the conference lies in its push for international standardization of roadside survey data. Delegates agreed that countries should utilize standardized methodologies if their data is intended for international comparison, while acknowledging that nations without such plans may develop their own standards. The report emphasizes that traffic law enforcement agencies must be convinced of the need for roadside surveys to gather precise data for meaningful enforcement programs, as routine patrols do not yield sufficient statistical precision. Additionally, the conference highlighted the importance of involving local authorities and alerting the public to survey plans to ensure cooperation and minimize bias. The outcome was a strengthened framework for conducting comparable roadside surveys globally, aiming to better evaluate and implement effective drinking-driving countermeasures.

Key finding

International delegates agreed that countries should standardize roadside research methodology to enable valid international comparisons and evaluate the effectiveness of alcohol countermeasures.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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• dui enforcement
• alcohol
• incidence prevalence
• exposure measurement
• drowsy as impairment

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation
• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence
• Methodological Resource: validation psychometrics