Conclusions
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Although alcohol-impaired driving appears to be a single issue, it is in fact a complex problem that includes various dimensions such as alcohol abuse, underage drinking, and other social concerns. Solutions need to be equally complex and wide-ranging, demanding a comprehensive, creative, and flexible approach. It is important to view alcohol-impaired driving within the broader context of public health implications of alcohol abuse. As a result, solutions must take into account drinking patterns and groups particularly at risk.
Countermeasures vary widely from country to country, but generally aim to persuade people not to drink and drive. Initiatives can be separated into four broad groups: public education, policies, enforcement, and sanctions. Measures chosen and applied in a given country must enjoy the support of both government and the public. Without government commitment, measures aiming to prevent impaired driving can have little long-term or sustainable positive effect. Efforts to reduce the occurrence of impaired driving can be most effective and sustainable when stakeholders from various sectors and disciplines work together.
As the problem of drinking and driving affects society at large, it needs cooperation from a variety of sectors and disciplines to solve it. Government efforts through legislation, education, and enforcement can be pooled with efforts by the beverage alcohol industry, community-based organizations, and academic institutions to address the problem. The experience of numerous countries shows that collaboration among a variety of stakeholders can result in a larger and more sustainable reduction of impaired driving incidents.