RANDOM BREATH TESTING IN THE STATE OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Random Breath Testing in Victoria has established itself as an outstandingly successful method in preventing "alcohol affected driving". Since its introduction in 1976, but particularly since its re-structuring in 1989, we have witnessed a dramatic reduction in drivers killed over the legal blood alcohol limit which in Victoria is 0.05 per centum. In 1977, 49 percent of all drivers killed were found to be in excess of 0.05 percent. In 1992 that figure was reduced to an all time low of 21 percent. The Victorian RBT programme has focused its entire campaign on the basis of the principles, as espoused by Prof Ross Homel, namely that it must be: highly visible; rigorously enforced so as to ensure credibility; must be sustained; and it must be well publicised. All principles are vital to its success. (a) For the record of the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no 868581.