Enforcement and Public Information Strategies for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) General Deterrence: Arrest Drunk Driving -- The Clearwater and Largo, Florida Experience

• NCJ Number: 107312
• Author(s): J H Lacey; J R Stewart; L M Marchetti; C L Popkin; P V Murphy; R E Lucke; R K Jones
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 194 pages
• Grant Number(s): DTNH22-81-C-07071
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Transportation
• Corporate Author: University of North Carolina
• Sale Source: National Technical Information Service
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report summarizes an assessment of the effectiveness of a combination of enforcement techniques and public information in achieving drunk driving general deterrence in Clearwater and Largo, Fla.

Abstract

Alcohol-related and nighttime crash statistics together with public awareness of drunk driving issues were monitored in both the experimental jurisdictions and comparison jurisdictions (Sarasota and Bradenton, Fla.). Public information on drunk driving enforcement activities was emphasized in the experimental jurisdictions during the project period while remaining stable in the comparison jurisdictions. A telephone survey of a sample of 400 licensed drivers in both experimental and comparison jurisdictions (all drivers were also drinkers) did not reveal a significant increase in perceived risk of being arrested for drunk driving in the experimental jurisdictions. An examination of crash data showed significant reductions in both nighttime and alcohol-related crashes in the experimental jurisdictions in relation to comparison jurisdictions. The use of checkpoints was the most effective strategy. 4 tables, 18 figures, and appended program and evaluation materials. (Publisher abstract modified)