Citation

Preusser DF, Blomberg RD, Ulmer RG. J. Saf. Res. 1988; 19(1): 29-40.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined the general and specific deterrent effects of Wisconsin's 1982 law mandating 3- to 6-month license suspensions for first-time convicted drinking drivers. General deterrence (stopping drinking and driving among the general public) was studied statewide by examining latenight, single-vehicle, injury crashes involving male drivers before and after the law. The results showed a substantial reduction in these presumably alcohol-related events. Specific deterrence (stopping repeat drinking and driving among those convicted) was studied by comparing subsequent convictions and crashes for first-time convicted drivers before and after the 1982 law. The results showed that those drivers convicted under the mandatory suspension law had fewer subsequent convictions and crashes. It was concluded that 100% mandatory license suspension is an effective legal sanction against drinking and driving.