An evaluation of coin operated breath testing machines in South Australian licensed premises in alcohol, drugs and traffic safety

Abstract

A six month trial of coin-operated breath testing machines was conducted in licensed premises in South Australia to examine public attitudes towards, and use of, the machines, the effect on drinking and driving behaviour, and also matters such as commercial viability. Data was collected by down loading from the memory in each breath testing machine, direct observation, and interviews with machine users, non-using patrons, and interviews with the licensees of the premises. Coin-operated hotel breath testers were generally well received by both the hotel patrons and hotel licensees and they appeared likely to have had some effect in reducing illegal drink driving. Selective targeting of the larger hotels, particularly with young clientele, should be a priority to ensure commercial viability.