The new traffic law and reduction of alcohol related fatal crashes in Japan

The National Police Agency reported in June 2003 that the number of fatal crashes caused by drunken drivers had decreased by 30% in the 12 month period after the change of the traffic law.1 The number of alcohol related fatal crashes in the period from June 2001 to May 2002 and that in the same period of 2002–2003 were 1187 and 830, respectively. In addition, the number of drivers found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol was reduced by 7% (from …