A Priori Evaluation of Policy Measures Against Alcohol-Impaired Driving: French Case Study

Abstract

On one hand, drinking and driving is an ever-growing concern for decision makers. On the other hand, stated preference (SP) surveys have rarely been used to assess the effectiveness of legislative road safety measures. The objective of this paper was to explore the potential impact of an intended safety measure on the behavior of French drivers. In particular, this study investigated the obligation of all drivers always to keep in their vehicles an individual one-use breath alcohol test device. For this purpose, an SP survey was designed and undertaken to elicit individuals’ preferences. Ordered probit models were specified on the responses of 240 young drinkers and drivers in the Paris region. Results indicate two factors as being the most influential: ( a) unemployment and ( b) believing that the new legislation is proposed on public revenue grounds. In particular, both factors cause individuals to reject the legislation, which therefore has a trivial impact on their stated behavior. Targeted communication campaigns should be designed to grow awareness and convince drivers of the beneficial road safety outcomes.