Translating Evidence into Policy: Lessons Learned from the Case of Lowering the Legal Blood Alcohol Limit for Drivers

This case study examines the translation of evidence on the effectiveness of laws to reduce the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of drivers into policy. It was reconstructed through discussions among individuals involved in the processes as well as a review of documentation and feedback on oral presentations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborated extensively with federal and non-federal partners and stakeholders in conducting a rigorous systematic review, using the processes of the Guide to Community Preventive Services to evaluate the body of empirical evidence on 0.08% BAC laws. The timely dissemination of the findings and related policy recommendations—made by the independent Task Force on Community Preventive Services—to Congress very likely contributed to the inclusion of strong incentives to States to adopt 0.08 BAC laws by October 2003. Subsequent dissemination to partners and stakeholders informed decision-making about support for state legislative and policy action. This case study suggests the value of: clearly outlining the relationships between health problems, interventions and outcomes; systematically assessing and synthesizing the evidence; using a credible group and rigorous process to assess the evidence; having an impartial body make specific policy recommendations on the basis of the evidence; being ready to capitalize in briefly opening policy windows; engaging key partners and stakeholders throughout the production and dissemination of the evidence and recommendations; undertaking personalized, targeted and compelling dissemination of the evidence and recommendations; involving multiple stakeholders in encouraging uptake and adherence of policy recommendations; and addressing sustainability. These lessons learned may help others working to translate evidence into policy.

Key Words: Accidents, Traffic, Alcoholic Intoxication, Evidence-Based Practice, Information Dissemination, Public Policy, Review, Systematic, Translational Research

Selected Abbreviations and Acronyms: Community Guide, Guide to Community Preventive Services, BAC, blood alcohol concentration, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Association, TEA-21, Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, GAO, General Accounting Office, DUIP, Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Task Force, Task Force on Community Preventive Services, MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving