Impaired-Driving Leadership Model – Findings Based on Three State Case Studies [Final Report]

Coleman, Heidi; Mizenko, Krista · 2018 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This report addresses the persistent challenge of reducing alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in the United States. While fatalities declined significantly in the 1980s and early 1990s, progress stalled after 2011, with numbers rising 6.4% from 9,865 in 2011 to 10,497 in 2016. These fatalities accounted for 28% of all motor vehicle deaths in 2016. The study investigates the "Impaired-Driving Leadership Model," a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach designed to improve coordination among state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders. The research aims to determine if this leadership structure, mandated by Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 8, can effectively drive systemic improvements in impaired driving prevention and enforcement. The methodology consists of three qualitative case studies examining the implementation of the Leadership Model in New Mexico, Washington, and Oklahoma. Researchers reviewed state documents, NHTSA records, and input from commissioned evaluators who observed the leadership processes. The analysis focused on the structural elements of each state’s model, including the initial impaired-driving assessment, the development of a strategic plan, the composition and operation of the leadership team, and the level of gubernatorial support. The study also identified commonalities and distinctions in how these states executed the model, extracting lessons learned and recommendations for other states considering similar initiatives. The findings indicate that all three states followed a consistent process: conducting an independent assessment, developing a comprehensive strategic plan, and assembling a high-level leadership team with sufficient authority to oversee implementation. New Mexico formed its team in 2005, Washington in 2009, and Oklahoma in 2013. Following implementation, all three states experienced improvements in their impaired-driving fatality rates per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. New Mexico’s rate dropped from 0.66 in 2004 to 0.36 in 2015; Washington’s fell from 0.42 in 2000 to 0.23 in 2014; and Oklahoma’s decreased from 0.44 in 2012 to 0.36 in 2015. However, the authors explicitly state that no causal relationship can be attributed to the Leadership Model, as improvements may also reflect other factors or trends. Key success factors included strong gubernatorial endorsement, multidisciplinary team composition, and rigorous documentation to track progress. The significance of this report lies in its provision of a replicable framework for state-level traffic safety management. It concludes that establishing a dedicated leadership team enhances inter-agency coordination, aligns priorities, and builds capacity to address complex impaired driving issues. The report offers specific recommendations for future implementations, emphasizing the need for pragmatic and transformational leadership styles, clear decision-making criteria, and continuous communication among stakeholders. By moving beyond "siloed" approaches, the Leadership Model offers a structured method for states to leverage collective expertise and political will to combat impaired driving, though further research is needed to isolate the model's specific impact on fatality reduction.

Key finding

New Mexico, Washington State, and Oklahoma all experienced declines in impaired-driving fatality rates per 100 million vehicle miles traveled following the implementation of their respective Impaired-Driving Leadership Models, though the report explicitly states that causal relationships between the models and these improvements cannot be attributed.

Methodology

other

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• dui enforcement
• drowsy as impairment
• polydrug

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: policy recommendations, countermeasure evaluation