New Hampshire Alcohol Safety Action Project. Analysis of Overall Project Impact

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New Hampshire Alcohol Safety Action Project. Analysis of Overall Project Impact

R. G. Ulmer / H. H. Jacobs

Fatal and injury producing motor vehicle accidents declined in number by significant amounts during the ASAP period (1972-1976) as compared with the years prior to the project. These reduced accident levels represent a departure from the trend that existed in the state for at least 10 years before implementation of the ASAP. Examination of various sub-sets of accidents show a tendency toward, or statistical confirmation of the view that the declines have occurred in the classes of accidents most likely to be alcohol related. Also, examination of alternate explanations for the noted accident declines discount changes in exposure, energy and speed policies and economic and other global conditions as possible factors. It is suggested that ASAP enforcement and public information efforts created a deterrent effect that modified the drinking-driving behavior of a segment of the at-risk population and that this modification has led to fewer traffic accidents taking place.