NCJ Number
126010
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 21-34
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
In this paper, the effect of formal and informal sanctions on self-reported driving while under the influence of alcohol after recent changes in the law proscribing the illegal behavior is assessed.
Abstract
These changes included increased penalties for refusing to take a blood-alcohol test, increased penalties for repeat offenders, and mandatory license revocations for persons who tested at or above the .10 legal limit for blood alcohol levels for drivers of motor vehicles. Results indicate that: (1) perceived certainty of arrest has increased somewhat over the period of study, and (2) the informal threat variables are better predictors of involvement in drinking and driving behavior than are the formal threat variables. Finally, the implications of the research findings for policy decisions concerning the social problem of drinking and driving are discussed. 4 tables and 17 references. (Author abstract)