Alcolock after drunk driving in Sweden. Olof Stenlund, Alcolock Coordinator, Swedish Transport Agency

Transcription

1 Alcolock after drunk driving in Sweden Olof Stenlund, Alcolock Coordinator, Swedish Transport Agency Dublin, 16 th April 2012

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3 Long tradition of alcohol restrictions State monopoly for the sale of all beverages with more than 3,5% alcohol. Drinks are expensive because of high taxes BAC limit is 0,02 percent. Driving licence suspension if violated Zero tolerance for DUI of illegal drugs and narcotics 3

4 The vision Zero 1997 Nobody should get killed or seriously injured in road traffic 4

5 Reduction of fatalities in Sweden from 540 (1997) to 266 (2010). 5

6 Steps taken against drunk driving Extended the mandatory risk education 2.5 million random road side alcohol tests Obligation for all medical doctors to report to DL Authorities unfittnes to drive voluntary installed alcolocks in vehicles used in commercial and public transportation in Sweden. 6

7 Other steps taken against drunk driving The cars an authority buys or leases is about to be as far as possible, equipped with an alcolock. (Regulation 2009:1) (The requirements do not apply to emergency vehicles, Police, custom, Coast Guard cars especially designed for personal protection.) The Authoroties should aim for at least 75 percent of the cars as an authority owns or leases shall be equipped with alcolocks from 1 January

8 Alcohol-related road accidents It s estimated that about 25% of those who dies in road accidents in Sweden dies in alcohol-related accidents Relapse into drinking and driving is not unusual for those who've been caught before Källa: Trafikverket samt Alkolåsutredningen

9 Pilot program for drink driving offenders Two year program ~ 8000 participants 55% have or had abuse or dependency diagnosis 9

10 Rules common for the whole Pilot period All DUI offenders welcome, but no drug abusers. Participation two years istead of DL suspension. Medical controls every third mounth Normal biomarkers required during the second year. Breath test failures not tolerated New full driving licence with the former categories issued after fullfilled program. 10

11 Good experiences of the Pilot program Successful for those who fulfilled the program Lasting changes in alcohol and driving habits Less relapses to DUI Reduced number of traffic accidents Reduces alcohol consumption Reduced need for hospital treatment Reduced sick-leave Saved jobs Saved marriages 11

12 Bad experiences of the Pilot program Only 11% of the target group applied for participation High costs (~ EUR) an excluding factor 40% thrown out for being unable to meet the strict requirements 12

13 New system for alcolock after drunk driving After several years of trials, a permanent system was introduced in Sweden January 1,

14 What are the expectations on the new system? - More users of the alcohol interlocks - Fewer relapses in drunk driving offense - Increased soberness in traffic - Reduced number of accidents

15 How do we get more offenders to apply? The new system has stronger incentives for participating It s expected to be: - more noticeable to refrain - lower costs for the participant 15

16 How will it be more noticeable to refrain from choosing alcolock? 1. Stricter rules with longer suspension periods for those who doesn t choose alcolock. - The suspension period is at least 1 year, and for those who belong in the high risk group, at least 2 years. 2. Avoid having to pass a new driving test to get back the license. 16

17 How will the costs be lower for the participant? 1. The administration fee is removed 2. Less frequent interval for servicing and emptying of the alcolock 3. Reduced number of medical checks during the conditional period 17

18 How does the alcolock program work? 18

19 Suspension period at least 1 or 2 years Medical check Application Conditional driver s licence Conditional period 1 or 2 years Application for a license without condition at the end of the period 19

20 How will we ensure that participants don t become thrown out in the same way as before? More and better information to the user about the importance of following the suppliers instructions about how to use the alcolock More chances and warning before someone gets kicked out Higher demands for the alcolocks quality Specific requirements for the suppliers of alcolocks The Authority has the mandate to supervise suppliers

21 What does it take to become a supplier of interlocks in the new system? The supplier must be considered to have the potential to meet the requirements in Swedish Transport Agencys regulations (TSFS 2011:70) and the requirements in the CENELEC standard The supplier shall ensure that there is a functioning system for the servicing of the alcolocks, and provide service throughout the whole country with an even geographical distribution. 21

22 More examples of demands on the supplier The supplier must have: a quality assurance system been approved in tests for data transmission of participant logs an agreement with the Transport Agency for systems of data transmission (technology agreement) agreements with the Transport Agency for Processing of Personal Data (Privacy notice agreement) 22

23 For more information: