Drinking drivers and random breath testing, wave 1, Sydney, November 1982 : user's guide for the machine-readable data file

Abstract

The survey examines the beliefs and attitudes held by motorists in relation to drinking, drink-driving and New South Wales driving regulations. Of particular interest are the reactions of the young, especially males, whose contribution to alcohol-related fatalities is of deep concern. This first wave was conducted prior to the introduction of random breath-testing in New South Wales (see also SSDA 329). Variables include drinking habits of respondent and friends, drinking locations, pressures from others for respondent to drink and drive, drink-driving of respondent and friends, alternatives to drink-driving, perceived affects of alcohol on driving ability, knowledge of drink driving laws, and acquaintance with anyone penalised for drink-driving. Opinions were sought on the causes of serious accidents, wearing of seat belts, safe amounts of alcohol prior to drinking, the seriousness of drink driving, and the use of the breathalyser, radar speed checks and random breath testing. Demographic variables are sex, age, driving status, level of driving qualifica tion, marital status and level of education.