NCJ Number
68129
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 47, V 6 Dated: (JUNE 1980) Pages: 22-25
Date Published
1980
Length
4 pages
Annotation
SINCE SURE APPREHENSION IS THE GREATEST DETERRENT TO DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL, SETTING UP ROADBLOCKS TO TEST DRIVERS AT RANDOM IS RECOMMENDED TO DECREASE DRINKING AND DRIVING.
Abstract
ABOUT 25,000 PERSONS DIE ANNUALLY IN DRINKING AND DRIVING ACCIDENTS AT AN ANNUAL ESTIMATED COST OF OVER $5 BILLION. IN THE EARLY 1900'S, NEARLY ALL STATES BEGAN PROHIBITING DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. RECOMMENDED OR EXISTING MEASURES TO DETER DRINKING AND DRIVING INCLUDE SUSPENDING LICENSES TEMPORARILY OR INDEFINITELY, SUBMITTING ALL DRIVERS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS TO CHEMICAL TESTS FOR ALCOHOL, AND ENACTING AND ENFORCING STRICT PENALTIES. BUT THE CARNAGE ON THE HIGHWAY CONTINUES, AND EXPERTS BELIEVE SEVERE PENALTIES HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON DRIVING BEHAVIOR. ALTHOUGH RESEARCH ABOUNDS ABOUT THE KINDS OF PEOPLE WHO DRINK AND DRIVE, MOST DRINKING DRIVERS OPERATE MOTOR VEHICLES SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY HAVE LITTLE CHANCE OF BEING CAUGHT; ONLY 1 IN 2,000 VIOLATORS IS DETECTED AND CHARGED. IN 1967, THE BRITISH DRAMATICALLY REDUCED HIGHWAY FATALITIES BY RANDOMLY TESTING DRIVERS FOR BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT AND ARRESTING THOSE EXHIBITING CONCENTRATIONS HIGHER THAN THE LEGAL LIMIT. HOWEVER, WHEN ENSUING CRITICISM FORCED THEM TO STOP TESTING AT RANDOM, THE ACCIDENT RATE SOON BEGAN TO RISE. ALTHOUGH THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT HAS STRUCK DOWN THE POLICE RIGHT TO STOP AND CHECK DRIVERS AT WILL, IT DOES ALLOW LESS INTRUSIVE CHECKING. SETTING UP ROADBLOCKS AND CHECKING ALL DRIVERS COMING THROUGH FOR BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVELS IS RECOMMENDED AS A REASONABLE COMPROMISE FOR RANDOM STOPPING. FOOTNOTES ARE INCLUDED.