Alcohol restrictions and drink driving in remote Indigenous communities in Queensland, Australia

摘要: Alcohol restrictions have been implemented in many Indigenous communities internationally, with the aim to reduce alcohol-related harm. Whilst a range of reviews evaluated such using different measures, drink driving has described several as increasing. Presently, this remains anecdotal; limited empirical evidence corroborate these reports. In Australia, Queensland government introduced alcohol management plans remote communities, during 2002-2003, total prohibition commencing 2008 some communities. Given road crashes are one leading causes injuries for peoples, study aims identify if successful reducing or increased behaviour. We examine by reviewing changes conviction rates and offender offence characteristics following restrictions. Using de-identified court data (2006-2011), from four Robust Poisson regression models compared counts convictions pre (2006-2008) versus post SRS (2009-2011). Changes details (blood concentration (BAC) sentencing severity), were examined chi-squares. Results indicate decline after three However, significant increase was identified community. Community-level disparity included BAC community (χ 2=5.58, p=0.02) other that did not change number women convicted two 2=17.36, p<0.01; χ 2=5.79, p=0.04). may important implications safety reductions an demonstrate complex relationship between use, remoteness driving. Greater focus on demand reduction strategies be necessary address misuse.