Evidence-based drinking and driving policies in Brazil: using evidence to guide policy changes

Context Although Brazil has made important attempts to change drinking and driving legislation over the past few years, with the aim of strengthening the punishment for drunk drivers, the burden of road traffic accidents in the country remains one of the highest in the world. The most notable example was the new traffic law introduced in 2008, which lowered the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers from 0.06% to 0.02%. This law resulted in significant reductions in traffic accident rates but also revealed the limitations of using research-derived evidence to guide policy changes in developing regions. Objectives This paper analyses the current situation regarding drinking and driving policies in Brazil based on the most recent research conducted on this topic. Data obtained from peer-reviewed journals and public discussions since the main enactment implemented in 2008 were reviewed and compared to similar strategies that were demonstrated to be effective in reducing alcohol-related traffic accidents in developed countries. Outcomes Lowering the BAC limit for drivers, which is a well-known effective evidence-based policy change, reduced the number of traffic accidents and the frequency of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in Brazil. However, policy makers have ignored relevant features concerning the effectiveness of this type of policy, such as the level of enforcement and the perceived risk of DUI sanctioning. Additionally, the lack of evidence able to support the creation and maintenance of drinking and driving policies is considered a great barrier to enhancing the effectiveness of these policies. Conclusions Further investigation into the effects of measures derived from high-income countries to control alcohol-impaired driving should be promoted in developing countries. Moreover, searching for the best way to translate evidence into policy should be a priority in these countries, where policies emerging from research may hold the key to improving the effectiveness of actions aimed at reducing alcohol-related traffic accidents.