ENFORCEMENT OF DRINKING-DRIVING LAWS IN AN ERA OF REDUCED RESOURCES

There are a number of factors which suggest that despite the declining resources, the nation can continue to make progress in the reduction of impaired driving. Drunk driving continues to be high on the list of public priorities, there is strong support for tough law enforcement, and there is an infrastructure of support for drunk driving programs which has grown over the last 15 years of progress. This paper examines the actions that can be taken to strengthen the enforcement of drunk driving laws in the light of these positive factors, without significant increases in the funding of police departments. These actions include increased use of sobriety checkpoints, increased use of preliminary and passive sensors, and increased enforcement of zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21.