Alternative Transportation Programs: A Countermeasure for Reducing Impaired Driving

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15256742009PDFTech ReportDecina, Lawrence E.Foss, Robert D.Tucker, Mary EllenGoodwin, ArthurSohn, JamieTransAnalytics, LLCNorth Carolina University. Highway Safety Research CenterUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNorth CarolinaUnited StatesAlternatives analysisCountermeasuresDrinking establishmentsDrunk drivingHighway safetyImpaired driversDrugged driversHighwaysPublic TransportationSafety and Human FactorsI83: Accidents and the Human FactorImpaired driverDOT HS 811 188DTNH22-05-D-05043Final ReportThis report is a compilation of information on alternative transportation programs that could provide guidance to States and local communities in developing, refining, or expanding programs to address impaired driving. The impaired-driving problem is complex and requires the full range of countermeasures. Alternative Transportation (AT) programs emerged as an approach to reduce drinking and driving episodes. These services transport drinkers from--and sometimes to and between--drinking establishments using taxis, privately owned vehicles, buses, tow trucks, and law enforcement agents. Some programs provide drivers to drive the drinker's car home along with the drinker. These alternatives to driving a motor vehicle while impaired have been in existence for several decades. Studies on AT programs commissioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that specific characteristics of various programs show promise. These included accessibility, availability, and ease of integration into activity. The model AT program--one with the greatest likelihood of reducing crashes by impaired drivers--would be continually available, free to users, and would be convenient and easy to use, taking them directly to their homes and minimizing the need to retrieve a vehicle later. The report also provides insight into appropriate experimental design methodology to use when evaluating AT programs.129