Hingham Police Participate in Nationwide Impaired Driving Survey

Hingham police teamed with a group of independent researchers this past weekend to collect data from drivers to use in a national survey that estimates the prevalence of impaired driving.

The 2013 National Roadside Survey, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is a 40-year-old project now conducted every five years. Six teams of 10 people travel to 60 sites throughout the country to collect information from drivers during the day and night.

"The project involved the police, the research team and volunteer participation from the public but was not an enforcement effort," Sgt. Steven Dearth said in a statement. "The data collected will give critical information to both problem identification and program development to address the issues of impaired driving."

Drivers who were found to be impaired or fatigued were offered a drive home, to have their car towed for free or a free hotel stay. Police were on hand to arrest anyone impaired who tried to leave. However, Dearth said no drivers were impaired during the weekend's data collection and no rides, tows or hotel stays were offered.

At least 75 drivers participated in the survey in Hingham. 

"The Massachusetts State Police suggested the survey team contact the Hingham Police for their support to host one of the 60 sites because of their commitment to impaired driving education, prevention and enforcement," Dearth said. "The same team conducted also the survey last weekend in Wilmington."

Survey workers – independent staff out of Maryland who are not police officers –held orange signs on the sidewalk which announced “Voluntary Paid Survey." They directed drivers to pull into the Bathing Beach parking lot and used iPads and passive alcohol use detection equipment to help determine any alcohol use, Dearth said.

Drivers were offered saliva swabs and were paid ten dollars cash for their participation. The data collected included the driver’s age, race, sex, zip code, miles driven annually, alcohol and medication or drug use. The data collection took approximately 10-15 minutes for each driver.

Drivers were also offered the opportunity to have their blood drawn in another area of the parking lot for additional survey information, Dearth said. Those who volunteered blood samples were paid an additional $50. The blood was drawn by a licensed phlebotomist in according with national standards. The sample of blood drawn was a very small amount. 

The final results will be available in approximately two years. To help maintain random and accurate information about drivers, the survey team requested the police not release information about the planned event until the Hingham survey was completed.