Drink-driving school-based programmes
Evidence-rated crime-reduction intervention (EMMIE).
Effect on crime
some reduction
Evidence quality
moderate
Cost
low
What the evidence says
School-based programmes to reduce drink-driving educate participants on the effects of drink-driving and develop refusal skills. While there is some evidence these interventions can reduce drinking and driving, they have not shown a statistically significant effect overall. The effectiveness appears to increase when programmes are interactive and part of a broader community effort.
How it works
These initiatives aim to reduce drink driving by increasing knowledge of consequences, developing refusal skills, and changing perceived social norms regarding drinking and driving, which can lead to decreased drink driving behavior.
Implementation
Programs are more successful when delivered interactively, incorporating varied content such as role-playing, presentations, and discussions. The optimal session length is suggested to be around 5 sessions.
Source: College of Policing Crime Reduction Toolkit (What Works Centre for Crime Reduction). Summarised 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the College of Policing.