Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes claim more than 15,500 lives each year in the U.S. Laws that lower the illegal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers from 0.10 g/dL (0.10%) to 0.08% have been enacted in 19 states and the District of Columbia. These laws are thought to reduce alcohol-impaired driving by increasing the perceived risk of conviction and punishment. They may also foster a social norm that reduces the acceptable amount of alcohol consumed before driving.
A systematic review of U.S. studies of 0.08% BAC laws was conducted using the methodology developed for the Guide to Community Preventive Services. Nine studies were identified and each met the quality criteria for inclusion in the review. The studies evaluated 0.08% BAC laws in the 15 states that implemented them before January 1, 1998.
All nine studies analyzed data from police incident reports of fatal crashes occurring on public roadways. Six studies evaluated lower BAC laws in multiple states. Seven studies employed concurrent comparison groups. Analytic approaches included before-and-after comparisons, interrupted time series, and log-linear regression. Eight studies reported the percent change in alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities following enactment of 0.08% BAC laws. Based on those eight studies, the median percent change in alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities was - 7% (interquartile range: - 15%, - 4%). Results were generally consistent in direction and size across the studies.
These findings suggest that 0.08% BAC laws in the U.S. are associated with about a 7% decline in alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities.
See www.thecommunityguide.org
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1) Describe the methods used to conduct systematic reviews of the effectiveness of 0.08% BAC laws. 2)Describe some of the methodologic considerations that arise when conducting systematic reviews of state motor vehicle laws (e.g., use of comparison states, nonindependence of studies, variations in level of enforcement of state laws). 3) Articulate how the results of the systematic review and the recommendation from the Task Force on Community Preventive Services can be used to influence policy at the state and local level.
Keywords: Motor Vehicles, Public Health Legislation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Task Force on Community Preventive Services, Centers for Disease Control
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.