DECLINE IN DRINKING AND DRIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS

Drinking and driving in the Netherlands has declined in recent years. The main sources of information supporting this finding are a series of roadside surveys (including breath testing) and accident statistics. In addition, information is available on factors that may have contributed to this decline. A definitive explanation, however, is difficult due to the quality of the information and to the gradual or combined introduction of a number of countermeasures. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the available information from roadside surveys and accident statistics, followed by a discussion of the reasons why it is difficult to explain what caused the decline in drinking and driving.