Alcohol-related Crashes

Section IV

Index of Strategies by Implementation Timeframe and Relative Cost

Exhibit IV-1 provides a classification of strategies according to the expected timeframe and relative cost for this emphasis area. In several cases, the implementation time will depend on such factors as the speed with which enabling legislation is passed. For strategies where most states require enabling legislation, we have assumed a long timeframe for implementation. Once legislation is enacted, the time required to implement the strategy will vary substantially across these strategies. For strategies requiring legislation that most states already have in effect, we have estimated the time needed simply to implement the strategy. The range of costs may also vary depending on how states choose to implement these strategies. Placement in the table below is meant to reflect the most common expected application of the strategy.

EXHIBIT IV-1

Classification of Strategies According to Expected Timeframe and Relative Cost

		Relative Cost to Implement and Operate
Timeframe for				Moderate
Implementation	Strategy	Low	Moderate	to High	High
Short (<1 year)	5.1 A3—Conduct Well-Publicized Compliance Checks of Alcohol Retailers to Reduce Sales to Underage Persons	ü
	5.1 A4—Employ Screening and Brief Interventions in Health Care Settings	ü
	5.1 B1—Conduct Regular Well-Publicized DWI Checkpoints*			ü
	5.1 B2—Enhance DWI Detection Through Special DWI Patrols and Related Traffic Enforcement	ü
	5.1 B3—Publicize and Enforce Zero Tolerance Laws for Drivers Under Age 21		ü
Medium (1–2 years)	5.1 C1—Suspend Driver’s License Administratively Upon Arrest*	ü
	5.1 D1—Seize Vehicles or Vehicle License Plates Administratively Upon Arrest*		ü
	5.1 D2—Require Ignition Interlocks as a Condition for License Reinstatement		ü
Long (>2 years)	5.1 A1—Increase the State Excise Tax on Beer	ü
	5.1 A2—Require Responsible Beverage		ü
	Service Policies for Alcohol Servers and Retailers
	5.1 C2—Establish Stronger Penalties for BAC Test Refusal Than for Test Failure	ü
	5.1 C3—Eliminate Diversion Programs and Plea Bargains to Non-Alcohol Offenses		ü
	5.1 C4—Screen All Convicted DWI Offenders for Alcohol Problems and Require Treatment When Appropriate			ü
	5.1 D3—Monitor All Convicted DWI Offenders Closely			ü
	5.1 D4—Incarcerate Offenders			ü

* The actual time needed for implementation will vary from state to state. Most states already have legislation allowing these strategies to be implemented; estimate is for time to implement a thorough program to carry out the intent of the legislation. Other states will need to address the question legislatively before the strategy can be applied, thereby making these strategies long term.