Impaired-Driving Leadership Model – Findings Based on Three State Case Studies [Traffic Tech]

NHTSA · 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, which saw a 6.4 percent increase from 2011 to 2016 after decades of decline. Recognizing that single countermeasures are insufficient, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigates the "Impaired-Driving Leadership Model," a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach requiring strong leadership and coordination across government levels and stakeholders. The study aims to evaluate this model through case studies of three states—New Mexico, Washington, and Oklahoma—to identify common elements, lessons learned, and recommendations for other jurisdictions. The methodology involves a qualitative examination of the implementation processes in these three states. Researchers reviewed state-generated documents, NHTSA records, and input from commissioned researchers who observed the Leadership Model structures. The analysis focuses on the steps leading to implementation, the structural elements of the model, operational components, and observed impacts. Key structural elements identified include conducting an initial impaired-driving assessment, developing a strategic plan to guide future actions, assembling a leadership team to oversee implementation, and securing demonstrated support from the State Governor. The findings present data on impaired-driving fatality rates per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for each state following the model's adoption. New Mexico’s rate improved from 0.66 in 2004 to 0.36 in 2015, moving from the 6th to the 22nd highest in the nation. Washington State’s rate declined from 0.42 in 2000 to 0.23 in 2014, shifting from the 33rd to the 41st highest. Oklahoma’s rate decreased from 0.44 in 2012 to 0.36 in 2015, improving from the 11th to the 21st highest. While the report explicitly states it cannot attribute causal relationships between the Leadership Model and these declines, it notes that improvements in fatality rates occurred in all three states after implementation. The significance of the study lies in its recommendation that establishing a statewide Impaired-Driving Leadership Team enhances traffic safety efforts by improving coordination, aligning priorities, and building capacity. The report concludes that such teams should include diverse stakeholders to facilitate cross-collaboration and system-level change. Additionally, creating a dedicated position to anchor coordination efforts is recommended to ensure effective communication across state and local systems. These findings provide a framework for other states seeking to implement similar comprehensive strategies to combat impaired driving.

Key finding

Following adoption of an Impaired-Driving Leadership Model, the alcohol-impaired-driving fatality rate per 100 million VMT fell in all three case-study states, from 0.66 to 0.36 in New Mexico, 0.42 to 0.23 in Washington, and 0.44 to 0.36 in Oklahoma.

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• dui enforcement
• drowsy as impairment
• polydrug

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: policy recommendations, countermeasure evaluation