Police in Katherine, Australia are piloting a reward scheme to reduce drink-driving. Drivers who pass a random breath test with a reading of zero are entered into a drawing to win $500 AUD. The Northern Territory has a high rate of drink-driving, with drivers 20 times more likely to fail a blood alcohol test than anywhere else in the nation. The program has been successful, with some drivers seeking out random stops for a chance to win. Similar prevention programs may be developed across the Northern Territory.
Keeping the streets safe for pedestrians and other drivers should be its payoff, but when it comes to reducing drink-driving, sometimes positive reinforcement can go a long way.
In a Northern Territory town in Australia, police have been testing a plan to reduce drink-driving with a reward scheme for those who abstain.
The Sober Streets campaign was piloted in Katherine, a town of approximately 6,000 residents. As part of the campaign, drivers are stopped at random and given a breath test. Those who pass with a reading of zero are entered into a drawing where they can win $500 AUD ($347 USD).
The effort appears to be needed in the Northern Territory, where statistics show drivers are 20 times more likely to fail a blood alcohol test than anywhere else in the nation. Jason Newton, a sergeant with Katherine Police, said the program has been hugely successful, with some drivers intentionally seeking out random stops so they have a chance to make money. There has also been talk of developing similar prevention programs across the Northern Territory, where around half of all driving deaths each year are alcohol-related.
A tour of the Northern Territory:
Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is named after Charles Darwin before he became famous for his work on evolution.
While the Northern Territory covers 20 percent of Australia’s landmass, it is home to only about 1 percent of residents.
Since 1970, the Northern Territory has hosted the annual Camel Cup, featuring a camel race, camel fashion contest and more.
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