Citation

Castle SP, Thompson JD, Spataro JA, Sewell CM, Flint S, Schirmer J, Justice M, Lacey JH. Annu. Proc. Assoc. Adv. Automot. Med. 1995; 39: 65-78.

Affiliation

New Mexico Department of Health; New Mexico Highway and Transportation Department; Safer New Mexico Now; Mid-America Research

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In 1993, New Mexico launched a two year statewide sobriety checkpoint program intended to reduce the state's alcohol related fatal motor vehicle crashes (MVC). At initiation of the program in 1993, the rate was 57%; the goal is to reach 43% by 1996. By the end of 1994, it had dropped to 51.8%. During the past 18 months, 231,000 vehicles passed through 649 checkpoints. Program objectives consist of sending a strong public message that the consequences of driving while intoxicated are certain, severe and swift. Program evaluation includes a time-series analysis of statewide MVCs; a telephone survey regarding drinking and driving; and reports from the police department, who staff the sobriety checkpoints.