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Rethink Your Next Drink

Malta Health Students’ Association

Rethink your Next Drink Campaign

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Contents

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3

Target Audience ............................................................................................................................ 4

What is Drink-Driving? ....................................................................................................................... 5

The Effect of Alcohol on Driving ..................................................................................................... 5

Statistics Illustrating the Incidence of Drunk Driving in Malta ............................................................. 6

National and International Legislation ............................................................................................... 9

Current interventions on a national and international level ............................................................. 11

The breathalyzer Test - How it works .......................................................................................... 11

Road Blocks – Definition and Legislation .......................................................................................... 12

Questionnaire Results Analysis – Drink and Driving .......................................................................... 14

Question 1 ................................................................................................................................... 14

Question 2 ................................................................................................................................... 14

Question 3 ................................................................................................................................... 15

Question 4 ................................................................................................................................... 16

Question 5 ................................................................................................................................... 16

Question 6 ................................................................................................................................... 17

Question 7 ................................................................................................................................... 18

Question 8 ................................................................................................................................... 18

Question 9 ................................................................................................................................... 19

Question 10 ................................................................................................................................. 19

Solutions ...................................................................................................................................... 21

Data Collection and Analysis ........................................................................................................ 21

More community pressure through political support ................................................................... 22

Pilot Studies on Drinking and Driving ........................................................................................... 22

Training in effective strategic law enforcement ........................................................................... 23

Night bus schedules and fares ..................................................................................................... 23

Transport Ideas for Special Events ............................................................................................... 23

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Lower BAC limits for specific groups of drivers ............................................................................. 23

Increased alcohol screening checkpoints ..................................................................................... 24

Dealing with Repeat Offenders .................................................................................................... 24

Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 24

References ...................................................................................................................................... 26

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Introduction

The main goal of the “Rethink Your Next Drink” campaign is to encourage an optimistic

behaviour towards our target audience. The will to decide not to drive after drinking and to

foresee the consequences should one drive under the influence of alcohol.

Our principal objectives of this campaign are to:

I. Establish drunk driving as a social unacceptable behaviour in the community.

II. Enhance awareness of the consequences – Negative influences on family, friends

and work.

III. Contribute to a reduction of the incidence of drunk driving such as related

offences, mortalities and hospitalisations.

IV. Increase Maltese drivers’ awareness and knowledge of the acceptable amount of

alcohol consumption.

V. Gaining political and community support – The dedicated support of key political

community leaders for a drinking and driving campaign is critical for the

campaign’s success.

VI. Form an action plan for the development and implementation of a drinking and

driving programme.

VII. Enforcement of current legislation

VIII. Public Education

Target Audience

Amongst our primary target audience there are certain age groups which are not fully aware

of the consequences drunk driving brings about. These include individuals in the ’25 to 39’

age bracket. The campaign may have spill over effects onto other audience segments and

influence their attitudes to drinking and driving.

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What is Drink-Driving?

No person shall drive or attempt to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle or other vehicle

on a road or other public place if he is unfit to drive through drink or drugs. A person shall be

deemed to be unfit to drive if his/her ability to drive properly is for the time being impaired

(15A).

Therefore, no person shall drive, attempt to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle or other

vehicle on a road or other public place after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion

of it in his/her breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit (15B) (Traffic Regulation

Ordinance, 2001). The maximum legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for driving

in Malta is 0.0800%. As illustrated by the table below, Switzerland, Germany, Russian

Federation and Australia have a lower Blood Alcohol Consumptiom allowance when driving

when compared to Malta. On the other hand, United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of

America (USA) share the same limit as Malta. Despite the fact that the BAC allowance of the

UK and USA are equal to the of Malta, the procedures adopted seem to be harsher when

compared to Malta, which in turn may inhibit people from driving under the influence of

alcohol.

The Effect of Alcohol on Driving

Driving while either intoxicated or drunk is dangerous and drivers with high blood alcohol

content or concentration (BAC) are at greatly increased risk of car accidents and vehicular

deaths. The effect of alcohol is usually first observed at blood alcohol concentration (BAC)

level of 0.02%. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the American Medical Association, the

National Commission Against Drunk Driving, and http://www.webMD.com, the typical

effects and predictable effects on driving are as listed below:

- At BAC 0.02% the typical effects are loss of judgement, relaxation, slight body

warmth and altered mood. The predictable effects on driving are a decline in visual

functions (rapid tracking of moving target), and a decline in ability to perform two

tasks at the same time (divided attention).

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- At BAC 0.05% the typical effects are exaggerated behaviour, may have loss of small-

muscle control (e.g. eye focusing), impaired judgement, good feeling, lowered

alertness, and release of inhibition. Predictable effects on driving include reduced

coordination, reduced ability to track moving objects, difficulty steering, and reduced

response to emergency driving situations.

- At BAC 0.08% the typical effects are poor muscle coordination (e.g. balance, speech,

vision, reaction time, and hearing), harder to detect danger, and impaired judgement,

self-control, reasoning and memory. Predictable effects on driving include reduced

concentration, short-term memory loss, speed control, reduced information processing

capability (e.g. signal detection, visual search) and impaired perception.

- At BAC 0.10% the typical effects are a clear deterioration of reaction time and

control, slurred speech, poor coordination, and slowed thinking. Predictable effect on

driving is the reduced ability to maintain lane position and break appropriately.

- At BAC 0.15% the typical effects are a far less muscle control than normal, vomiting

may occur (unless this level is reached slowly or a person has developed a tolerance

for alcohol) and major loss of balance. Predictable effects on driving include

substantial impairment in vehicle control, attention to driving task, and in necessary

visual and auditory information porcessing.

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Statistics illustrating the Incidence of Drunk Driving in Malta

The most grievous road accidents are preventable and literature displays that the correct

interventions can develop a position impact. Despite the fact that the number of registered

vehicles on the road per year has increased considerably, Malta has maintained a relatively

constant level of road accidents over the past years.

The following is an evaluation of the road accident data, which raw data was compiled by the

Malta Police and analyzed by Transport Malta and the National Statistics Office (NSO).

The above table illustrates the number of fatalities of grievous injuries and slight injuries

during the year 2002 till 2006. As illustrated by the table, the number of accidents

throughout the year 2002 till 2006 remained considerably constant. Also, the greatest amount

of fatal car accidents could be observed to be during the year 2006.

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The above table illustrates the number of grievous injuries and slight injuries during the year

2007 till 2013. As illustrated by the table, the number of accidents have increased from the

year 2011, with a total of 1577 accidents. This has since remained a constant number

throughout the year 2012 and 2013. The number of fatal accidents varies considerably during

the years 2007 till 2013. As could be observed, the highest amount of fatal accidents have

occurred during the year 2009, with a total of 21 fatal accidents.

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National and International Legislation

According to the Traffic Regulation Ordinance, the minister responsible for the Police may

make regulations which provide for:

- The procedures to be adopted by the Police in the carrying out of breathalyser tests;

- The determination of the type of device to be used for the taking of the breathalyser

test;

- The procedure for the taking of body fluid specimens including blood;

- The determination of the laboratory for the taking of body fluids specimens including

blood.

In order to determine whether a person has committed an offence under articles 15A and 15B

a Police officer may require such person:

- To provide a breath specimen or specimens for analysis by means of the approved

device, according to the regulations made under Ordinance, and the results so

obtained shall be admissable in evidence in any proceedings for an offence under

articles 15A or 15B. The results of the analysis shall be presumed correct unless hte

contrary is proved; or

- To provide a specimen or specimens of blood and urine for laboratory analysis, which

shall take place at an approved laboratory, according to regulations made under

Ordinance, and the opinion f the analyst in that laboratory and the results of the

analysis shall be admissible in evidence in any proceedings for an offence under

articles 15A and 15B. The results of the analysis shall be presumed correct unless the

contrary is proved.

Refusal or failure to provide the requisite specimen, a person shall be guilty of an offence and

unless the contrary is proved, it shall be presumed that the proportion of alcohol in that

person’s blood exceeds the prescribed limit. Provided, that refusal or failure to provide

specimen was not due to physical or mental incapacity or because its provision would entail a

substantial risk to his/her health.

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Every person who contravenes any of the provisions of articles 15A and 15B shall be guilty

of an offence and shall on conviction for such an offence or for an offence under sub-article

(4) of article 15E be liable:

- In the case of a first conviction, t oa fine of not less than 1200 euro or to

imprisonment not exceeding three months, or to both such fine and imprisonment;

- In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine of not less than 2,329.37

euro or to imprisonment not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and

imprisonment.

Moreover, the court shall disqualify the offender from holding or obtaining a driving licence

in the case of a first conviction for a period of not less than six months, and in the case of a

second or subsequent conviction for a period of not less than one year.

These apply only where the proportion of alcohol in the breath, blood or urine exceeds the

prescribed limit by 8mg or more in the breath or by 20mg or more in the blood or by 23mg

ore more in urine:

- 35mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath

- 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood

- 107mg of alcohol in 100ml of urine

In the United Kingdom, offenders face a maximum penalty of 6 months impriosnment; they

are faced with a fine costing up to £5000 and receive a minimum of 12 months

disqualification from driving. Similarly, in the United States of America, offenders face a

licence suspension and a costly fine.

By observing the penalties offenders face in the more strict countries, one would notice that

they too, are more serious when compared to the ones in Malta. In Switzerland, in cases

where a motorist has a BAC level between 0.05% and 0.079%, the offender automatically

loses his license for a month. Motorists with a BAC level over 0.08% will lose their driver’s

license for three months. Imprisonment is more common for repeat offenders. In Germany,

drivers who are caught with BAC level of 0.05%, are punished with a 500 euro fine and a

licence suspension for 1 month, even if there is no alcoholic impact. Moreover, persons

caught with a BAC level of 0.11% face a 500 euro fine and a licence suspension of at least 6

months, which can last up to a year. The Russian Federation punishes the offenders through a

fine of 30000 roubles (about $920) for a person when driving in a state of alcohol

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intoxication. A fine of 10000 roubles (about $300) will be set for handing over the wheel to a

person under the influence of alcohol. This fine is increased by four times for second

offenders. Finally, the penalties in Austratlia include fines ranging from $250 to $1000 and a

licence suspension for a period of 6-8 months, according to the BAC levels.

Current Interventions on a national and international level

The main mode of technology used in Malta for the testing of drunk drivers is the

breathalyzer. According to there is one breathalyzer in every police station. It is known fact

that the main procurers of the for-mentioned instrument are the Malta Police Force and the

Armed Forces of Malta. Both institutions have the jurisdiction, provided by Sub Article 53 of

the Maltese Law, to carry out selective beathalyzer checks on suspicious drivers, since the

procedure is a non-invasive one.

The breathalyzer Test - How it works

The introduction of the breathalyzer test is aimed at curbing alcohol-related traffic accidents.

It is both a preventive measure and a scientific way of calculating what the law has been

sanctioning for the past decades: driving under the influence of alcohol.

The test consists of two parts. The preliminary check is held on the spot, using a hand-held

alcometre with a disposable plastic pipe attached on top of it. The pipe is hygienically

wrapped and, for obvious reasons, a new pipe is opened in front of the driver and clipped

without contaminating the mouthpiece. The equipment is very sensitive so much so that if

traces of alcohol are present from a previous test, the equipment registers an error and

refrains fro mtaking recording a new test unless it auto-cleanses. Persons taking the test will

be verbally informed that, according to the law, refusal to co-operate amounts to a crime.

The test involves taking a sample of breath, that is, blowing a steady and deep breath into the

disposable pipe. The liquid crystal display, on which the alcohol level will be shown, will be

visible to the person taking the test at all times. Persons exceeding the 35mg in the first test

will have to take a second test at Police Headquarters in Floriana or Victoria Police Station,

in the case of Gozo. A sample of breath would be requested again, and the alcohol readings

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printed and signed. The print-out can be presented in court as evidence. In serious cases, a

blood or a urine sample, or both, can be requested and taken under medical supervision.

Road Blocks – Definition and Legislation

According to Article 355. The police may organise a road check where there are reasonable

grounds for believing that a check on vehicles in or passing through a locality may lead to the

ascertainment of violations of any law regarding motor vehicles or traffic regulation. As

reported in Article 355A, for the duration fo the road check the Police may stop all or any

vehicles passing through or in the locality where the road check is being organised.

A roadblock is a temporary installation set up to control or block traffic along a road. The

reasons for one could be: roadworks, temporary road closure during special events, police

chase, robbery, and sobreity checkpoint. According to the magistrate Scerri Herrera,

roadblocks in Malta are only set up to control drug-related offences.

In 2010, hundreds of individuals were subjected to vehicle checks on their way to the

Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal to board the Gozo Ferry for the Nadur Carnival. Nine were

detained, the majority on drug-related offences. The AFM defend the necessity for setting up

vehicle check points as ‘efficient’ in law enforcement and crime fighting, particularly drugs.

But critics argue that indiscriminate roadblocks are an invasion of civil liberties which is not

permitted in the majority of European Countries.

The number of people detained during vehicle check points held in the year 2009 amounts to

about 50.8% of people chekced, which is a substantial figure since it is based on the

assumption the each car held just one passenger. According to the current legislation, those

tasked with law enforcement should only stop vehicles and search passengers if they have

‘reasonable suspicion’ that an individual has or is about to commit to a crime. Although,

‘reasonable suspicion’ is a condition, there is no hard and fast rule on who may be stopped.

Suspicious drivres are generally simply asked for their licence, log books and insurance

certificates. If the police then notice any of the symptoms associated with drink-driving they

will ask the drivers to take the breathalyzer test.

A 2010 Eurobarometer had study found that 99% of Maltese drivers had no idea what the

limit was. The study also found that 17% of local motorists drank every day.

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Between the night of the 31st of December 2013 and 1st January 2014 almost 300 drivers

were pulled over throughout the island but none were found to be over the alcohol limit. Over

4 weekeneds during the 2013/2014 festive period nearly 200 cars were stopped (Excluding

New Years Eve) but only 13 drivers were found to be over the limit.

Other technologies which are mainly adopted by European and North American countries,

however are not adopted by the Maltese Authorities include:

Ignition Breathalyzer – The driver is required to pass a breathalyzer tests (which is connected

to the ignition) and pass the mentioned test, for the engine of the care to start. The policy is

mainly adopted by North Americancar makers.

Attend an induction course on the dangers of drink-driving – The policy is mainly adopted by

two central European Countries, being Switzerland and Austria. In both countries, all

potential driving candidates have to attend an induction course as part of their driving test.

Harsher penalties for convicted drunk-drivers – Nearly all Scandinavian countries have a

policy, where all convicted drunk drivers are given either a small jail sentence for

endangering the lives of others or are given community work to carry out.

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Questionnaire Results Analysis – Drink and Driving

As part of MHSA’s campaign, a Drink and Driving Questionnaire was formulated and

circulated throughout the University of Malta. This questionnaire targeted mainly students

between the age bracket of 18 and 36. The results and analysis of the questionnaire are as

listed below.

Question 1

Please state your: Gender, Age and Course (If Applicable)

96 respondents answered this question, whilst 4 respondents ignored it.

The age range was between 18-36. Individuals enrolled in various courses at the University

of Malta and outside University have participated in this survey. Some courses include:

Business and IT, M.Sc Public Health, B. Ed Primary, Doctor of Medicine and Surgery,

B.Hons in Communications, Built Environmental studies, MA Library Information and

Archive Science, PhD Engineering, MCAST Child Care, Tourism Studies, Law, MSc.

Engineering, Institute of Island and Small States Studies, Master in Accountancy, B.Com

Management, Psychology, Pharmaceutical Science, B.Sc Biology, B.Sc Biology and

Chemistry, Bachelor of Arts, B.Ed NFCS, B.Sc Physiotherapy, B.Sc Podiatry, Nursing,

Midwifery, Interactive Media and Applied Food and nutritional sciences.

Question 2

How many units of alcohol do you drink per week? (1unit = 1shot)99 respondents answered

and 1 ignored this question. As illustrated by the graph below, most respondents (56%) drink

less than 5 units of alcohol per week. 11 respondents out of 99 drink more than 20 units of

alcohol per week.

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Question 3

Have you ever experienced black outs whilst a night out drinking?

All respondents answered this question (100).

53 individuals answered no, whilst 47 individuals have indeed experienced black outs during

a night out drinking.

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Question 4

How do you usually get home after a night out?

99 respondents answered this question whilst 1 respondent ignored it.

Most individuals (47%) go home with their own car after a night out. However, a significant

amount of individuals makes use of public/private Transport Company (38%). Moreover, as

illustrated by the graph below, 14% of the respondents are taken home by their parents after a

night out.

Question 5

Do you still drive your car if you feel a little bit drunk?

98 respondents answered this question, whilst 2 respondents ignored it.

55% of respondents claimed that they do not drive their car even if they feel a little bit drunk.

28% of respondents do sometimes drive their car when feeling a little bit drunk. 16% of

respondents claimed that they do drive their car even when a little bit drunk.

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Question 6

What encourages you to go by your own car?

93 respondents answered this question, whilst 7 respondents ignored it.

48% of the respondents claimed that they go by their own car for comfort, whilst 36% of the

respondents preferred to go by their own by car for independence.

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Question 7

What discourages you to use other transport facilities?

96 respondents answered this question, whilst 4 respondents ignored it.

As illustrated by the graph below, most respondents claimed that they get discouraged due to

mostly timing and fees, 35% and 27% respectively.

Question 8

Do you think that binge drinking is a problem in Malta?

99 respondents answered this question, whilst 1 ignored it.

Almost all the respondents (91%) answered yes, whilst 8% of the respondents don’t think that

binge drinking is an issue in Malta.

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Question 9

Would a campaign against drinking and driving be useful?

All the respondents answered this question.

86% of the respondents answered yes, whilst 14% of the respondents claimed that a

campaign against drinking and driving would not be useful.

Question 10

Can anything be done in order to avoid accidents?

81 respondents answered this question, whilst 19 ignored it. Some comments are as listed

below:

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Solutions

Targeted and applicable legislation on drink-driving that is constantly enforced and well

understood by the public is an essential component of a country or region’s efforts to control

this issue. There are various interventions which have been found to be effective and essential

in reducing the number of road fatalities involving drink-driving. Society must comprehend

and believe that if one drinks and drives there is a high chance of both detection and penalties

accordingly.

The Malta Health Students’ Association is to focus on the safety of these individuals who

drink and drive as well as any other people which happen to be involved. The Malta Health

Students’ Association maintains that the enforcement should be led intelligently. The

following points are some of the solutions which MHSA has come up with:

Data Collection and Analysis

There must also be a clear statement of problems with respect to public knowledge,

legislation, enforcement and penalties. It is essential to understand the problem by carrying

out studies regarding drink-driving to always keep up to date with the current state in the

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country. This would include critical data regarding breath tests conducted on crash-involved

drivers, blood tests on crash fatalities, admission information from hospital accident and

emergency departments, random breath checks (performed either for reinforcement or

research purposes), public/police evidence. Moreover information such as:

- The age, sex and social group of those involved;

- The times when the behaviour is most popular;

- The location(s) where drink-driving takes place.

More community pressure through political support

The progress and success of any drinking and driving campaign will be rely greatly on the

dedicated support from the Government and the community itself. Initiating a pro-active

drinking and driving working group of key stakeholders can be an efficient way to obtain

such support, and establish and implement an all-inclusive drinking and driving campaign.

The working group should include:

- Relevant government departments such as transport, health, police, licencing

authorities and education.

- Public health

- Health care professionals

- Independent researchers

- Non-government organizations

- Road user organizations

- Suppliers and retailers of alcohol

The working group should also include students and critics. The Malta Health Students’

Association believes that the awareness of such a campaign can reach a more successful note

should there be public pressure from politicians.

Pilot Studies on Drinking and Driving

Pilot studies should be devised to be able to test the interventions being sugggested on a

much smaller scale. The lessons learned through a pilot study can be used to improve the

programme before it is implemented on a broader scale.

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Training in effective strategic law enforcement

By devising a training regimen and making it available to police officers, constant

commitment is ensured towards the drink-driving legislation. There should be a direct link

between research organisations and the police officers. As a result, police officers will be able

to seek information and research during and after the implementation of any programme.

Night bus schedules and fares

A pilot study should be conducted with regards to night bus schedules and fares. The pilot

study should consider the point of view of the general public so as to update and enhance the

night bus schedules and fares according to what the general public deems necessary. Night

buses should be made more accessible and reliable to the general public by updating and

increasing the bus schedules. Fares should be diminished especially during special events to

encourage the general public to make use of them. The night buses need to be more efficient

and safe for the general public.

Transport Ideas for Special Events

Special events include any parties which involve heavy consumption of alcohol. The Malta

Health students’ Association expressed the idea to include the cost of the transport as part of

the ticket sales. By doing so, whoever purchases a ticket will be automatically purchasing a

ride home. This would instigate a change in mentality, and therefore, reducing drinking and

driving.

Lower BAC limits for specific groups of drivers

Lower limits of BAC levels should be implemented to younger or less experienced drivers.

Several other countries employ lower limits which appear to be very effective in reducing

alcohol-related fatalities amongst the young adults and inexperienced drivers.

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Increased alcohol screening checkpoints

An effective way of detecting and apprehending those who drink and drive is by utilizing

what is known as the Random Sobriety Checkpoints or Roadblocks. The effectiveness of

these checkpoints can be maximised by:

- Making them highly visible: This gives the impression of a greater level of

enforcement procedures than is actually being delivered.

- Enforcing legislation to ensure credibility

- Regular random checkpoints

The possibility of being tested anywhere and at any time will reduce drink-driving crashes.

This intervention strategy is highly successful if implemented correctly.

Dealing with Repeat Offenders

Data collection systems as previously mentioned should be implemented to be able to

identify and track repeat drunk-drivers. Vehicle sanctions and rehabilitation programmes are

two methods which can be used. Alcohol interlocks are being utilized succcessfully mainly to

prevent repeat drunk-driving. If these alcohol interlocks were to be implemented they would

also decrease the amont of crashes which occur due to drunk-driving. Eduction-based

programmes and psychotherapy-based programmes should be implemented as part of the

procedures undertaken when dealing with repeat offenders.

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Conclusion

A significant proportion of road deaths and injuries are caused by drink driving. Recognising

factors associated with successful drink driving coutermeasures is essential in informing

effective drink driving policy and operational decision making. This paper has reviewed

research on four types of drink driving responses – Enforcement of legislation, drink driving

penalties, targeted interventions and public education – and has explored the factors that may

influence the success associated with each measure.

Research in these areas would assist in further developing existing drink drive

countermeasures to become both more efficient and effective in preventing drink driving.

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