Random breath test surveys, New South Wales, 1983

This study was undertaken in order to document perceptions of the legal threat associated with random breath testing (RBT) and to compare changes in drinking and driving behaviour patterns over time as a result of RBT. Two surveys were conducted, two months apart, the first of which occurred ten weeks after the introduction of RBT in New South Wales. From these two surveys various combinations of respondents were grouped to produce six data files. Both surveys contained the following variables: knowledge of RBT and other government methods used against drink- driving; whether respondent has been tested, or a passenger while driver tested; other exposure to RBT (indirect); perception of likelihood of being tested; respondent's drink-driving behaviour; behaviour changes since RBT was introduced; knowledge of drink-driving penalties; and general opinion of RBT. The second survey contained further variables: reasons not to drink and drive; knowledge of legal blood alcohol limit; if respondent has been convicted for drink-driving; difficulty of drinking less among friends; perception of likelihood of arrest and conviction; personal reaction to punishment if guilty; and personal importance of using a vehicle. Descriptive variables were driving status; age; sex; education; occupation; and drinking quantities and behaviour. The second survey also assessed the number of household members 18 years and over, and respondent's location in N.S.W. (All respondents in the first survey were from Sydney).