This report summarizes the results of an attempt to achieve driving while intoxicated (DWI) general deterrence through a combination of DWI enforcement techniques and public information and education (PI&E) efforts intended to enhance awareness of the specific enforcement strategies being implemented. The combined DWI enforcement and public information strategies were implemented in Clearwater and Largo, Florida (experimental jurisdiction). Alcohol-related and nighttime crash statistics and public awareness and perceptions of DWI issues were monitored in both the experimental jurisdictions and comparison jurisdictions (Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida). Public awareness of DWI enforcement activities was increased in the experimental jurisdictions during the project period while remaining relatively stable in the comparison jurisdictions. However, similar increases were not detected in perceived risk of being arrested for DWI. It is hypothesized that failure to realize increase in perceived risk of arrest is attributable to the fact that the public already overestimated the actual risk of arrest before the program was implemented. Examination of crash data revealed significant reductions in both nighttime and alcohol-related crashes in the experimental jurisdictions as compared to the comparison jurisdictions. Checkpoints proved to be the most effective strategy in terms of heightening public awareness of DWI enforcement efforts. (Author/publisher)
Abstract