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Common wisdom may hold that the mere threat of jail time deters many would-be drunk drivers from taking to the road after tying one on. But new research indicates that's often not the case.
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A University of Florida study looked at the effect that changes in drunken driving laws in 48
states had on rates of D-U-I's and on rates of fatal cars crashes. The results showed that toughened minimum mandatory sentences between 1976 and 2002 did not equate to reductions in fatal crashes involving alcohol. The research compared blood alcohol levels for mildly, moderately and heavily impaired drivers involved in wrecks and found no difference in the effectiveness of threats of jail time or fines among the groups.
Dr. Alexander Wagenaar /UF epidemiologist
"These laws that make mandatory minimum jail terms for driving while impaired have not been effective in deterring people from driving under the influence of alcohol. And that's important since that's one thing that was tried in many states and was a key part of efforts to reduce alcohol-impaired driving."
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The study also found evidence that fines could be modestly effective in some states, but further research is needed. Experts add that the threat of immediate revocation of drivers licenses, a fairly simple punishment, could be an effective tool for deterring some from driving drunk. Remote monitoring or house arrest are also possible options for those convicted of impaired driving. Researchers say part of the reason the threat of jail time fails to prevent drunken driving may be that, if a driver is convicted, a jail stay is not imposed until many months after the offense has occurred.
Dr. Alexander Wagenaar /UF epidemiologist
"People have to believe that if they engage in the behavior, that they're actually going to experience the penalty. So I think there are many in the general public that continue to drive after drinking, because they don't really believe that they're going to be detected, pulled over and caught."
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At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I'm Mike Garrison
