Reality of Drunk Driving Problem Revealed in Survey of Approx. 20,000 People; Over 70% Support Mandatory Alcohol Interlocks

Tokai Denshi Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture; Representative Director: Tetsuya Sugimoto), which develops and sells automatic roll call systems, operation management systems, safe driving management systems, and occupational health and safety systems, recently conducted a citizen awareness survey on drunk driving. Citizen Awareness Survey on Drunk Driving: Over 70% Support Mandatory Alcohol Interlocks Full release and survey results can be found here. 1. Background of the 20,000-Person Survey Our company conducted this survey targeting approximately 20,000 unspecified individuals to understand the current state of public awareness regarding the prevention and recurrence prevention of drunk driving. In this survey, we asked general consumers how they view the social problem of drunk driving, and went a step further by asking about their personal experience with drunk driving, as well as providing additional questions for individuals believed to be directly involved in drunk driving or their family members, thereby conducting a multifaceted and comprehensive awareness survey on drunk driving. 2. Overview of the 20,000-Person Survey (Two Types of Surveys) Approximately one in four people (23.1%) have witnessed drunk driving, and 79.1% feel that the approximately 20,000 arrests annually are "many." Drunk driving is recognized by citizens as a familiar and serious problem, and expectations for strengthened countermeasures are high. A total of 6.3% of respondents or their family members have received guidance due to drunk driving, and 4.7% (923 people) reported having a close person troubled by drinking behavior, indicating that the problem is widely affecting those around the individuals involved. On the other hand, 83.2% responded that they "don't know or haven't heard of" alcohol interlocks, highlighting the urgent need for widespread recognition of the device. Regarding the mandatory implementation of interlocks for those caught drunk driving, 71.2% expressed support (37.9% strongly support + 33.3% support), indicating a strong demand for institutionalization as a measure to prevent recidivism. While 60.6% are positive about purchasing, the top support need is "financial assistance (public support)" at 45.1%, suggesting that price subsidies are key to widespread adoption. The survey revealed that 69.2% felt that drinking problems "strained or could strain" family relationships, and 51.9% felt an impact on their mental health, making it clear that drinking problems are a social issue involving the entire family beyond the individuals directly concerned. A total of 30.3% were in the "active support-seeking group" who responded, "I want to consult immediately" or "I want to install an interlock." Along with the enhancement of information provision for specialized medical institutions (41.1%) and family counseling (35.9%), there is an urgent need to build a comprehensive support system centered around interlocks. 3. Survey Results (Excerpt) 1) Age distribution of respondents 2) Drunk driving experience rate (self and family) 3) Drunk driving experience rate (other than self and family) 4) About family drinking behavior (drunk driving behavior) 5) About alcohol interlock devices 6) About mandatory alcohol interlocks for those caught drunk driving 7) About the possibility of recidivism by drunk drivers 8) About treatment 9) About treatment and self-help groups 4. Moving Forward In this survey, when asked whether they had ever considered consulting someone about drunk driving or drinking-related problems, approximately 30% responded "I want to consult" or "I have actually consulted." On the other hand, about 70% are in a situation where they have concerns or anxieties about drunk driving or drinking problems but "have not yet reached the point of consulting." This result suggests that drinking problems are less likely to surface and may be hidden from plain sight. Even if individuals recognize that they have drunk driving or drinking problems, there are many cases where they are left unaddressed due to psychological hurdles such as "it's not serious enough to consult," "I don't know who to consult," or "consulting might worsen the situation." As a result, there is a risk that the problem will only surface when it becomes severe, manifesting in the form of accidents or violations. The figure of 70% who have not sought consultation indicates that a certain degree of such "invisible danger" exists within society.