Alcohol-related accidents involving drivers of commercial vehicles in Japan have not decreased since 2011, when mandatory breath testing became a requirement, a research study showed, indicating crash-prevention efforts have failed.
The study, published by a team from the University of Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, said current measures are insufficient and instead called for the installation of ignition interlock devices that prevent drivers from starting their vehicle if they are unable to pass a breath test.
"Sobriety checks are self-reported when drivers are away from the office, leading to a problem with the confirmation method," said Masao Ichikawa, a professor from the university's Faculty of Medicine, who headed the team. "There is no point in expanding on an initiative that has little effect."