Detecting Alcohol Impairment by Observation of Intoxication

This paper discusses problems inherent in countermeasure programs designed to deal with intoxicated patrons. Identifying impaired drivers by signs of obvious intoxication is a very difficult task. Moveover, intoxicated individuals are only a minority of the alcohol-impaired drivers on the road from on-site drinking establishments whose presence we wish to curtail. The author concludes that only objective measures of beverage consumption, or objective behavioral or chemical tests can reliably identify over-consumption. He points out that instituting such a new procedure in beverage establishments will require motivating the establishments, educating the public, and the passage of legislation.