Citation

Ennis PK. J. Saf. Res. 1977; 9(1): 15-25.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1977, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

With a high incidence of impaired driving, it is imperative that we consider large-scale countermeasures that are directed to the entire potential drinking driving population. Serious consideration should be given to strategies of general deterrence, and more effective police enforcement to increase drivers' subjective estimates (as well as objective estimates) of apprehension risk for DWI violations. In this paper, the literature on attempts to deter drinking and driving is reviewed. Public understanding and support of DWI laws and more efficient police enforcement of these laws -- two conditions necessary for deterrent effectiveness -- are considered. The concepts of objective and subjective estimates of apprehension risk are also discussed. Finally, a number of studies are reviewed where the aim was to investigate the relation between police enforcement and general deterrence of certain driver behaviors, including impaired driving. A number of research priorities are clearly evident. We need well-designed studies to determine the impact of various enforcement practices, such as roadside breath testing, on drinking and driving. The extent to which the enforcement rate must be increased to achieve general deterrence has yet to be determined.