Citation

Watne J. Transp. Res. Circular 2000; (E-C020): I1-I28.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Defendants and their attorneys challenge criminal and administrative sanctions by asserting noncompliance with each requirement of statute or rule and violation of state and federal constitutional provisions. Peace officers need thorough instruction in the applicable law governing apprehension, investigation, arrest, and testing, as well as training to detect impaired drivers, preserve evidence, record observations, and prepare for trial. Among disincentives to increased enforcement efforts are lack of public support, lack of support from the leadership in some communities, and officers' perceptions that laws are too complicated to understand and administer and that procedures are unduly time-consuming. Enforcement efforts and results can be enhanced by better use of existing technology and simplification of statutory provisions and procedures, along with continued efforts to educate the public to be less tolerant of impaired drivers and more willing to intervene to prevent driving by the impaired or to call the police when an impaired person insists on driving.