Driving-under-the-influence (DUI) recidivists pose a unique problem in road safety because of their apparent inability to respond to the preventative measures that have been put in place to ensure road safety. This relatively small sub-group of drivers cause a disproportionably large number of victims. The majority of offenders are men - 95% in a Quebec study (Bergeron et al, in process). As a group, they have been punished, quite severely in many instances, and still use their car when drunk in spite of the understanding that a second or third offence involves more severe punishment than the previous one(s). Alcohol ignition interlock recorders have significantly reduced recidivism for the minority of offenders who have been willing to participate but outcome studies show that once the device is removed, the rate of DUI is comparable to those offenders who refused to participate (Voas et al, 1999, SAAQ, unpublished data). DUI can be put to a halt by environmental contingencies, but the intention to relapse appears to remain unaffected. In the language of motivation, motivation remains extrinsic (the behavior is performed because of external constraints), it never becomes intrinsic (an integral part of the person's behavioural repertoire). This lack of conscience and ongoing disrespect of the social consensus constitute one of the most significant challenges in road safety today. (Author/publisher) For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD Abstract No. E201067.
Abstract