Two hundred and ninety two adults were divided into four groups: (1) those having multiple convictions for drunk driving (DD); (2) those having one conviction for DD; (3) those never having been convicted of DD but admit to having driven while intoxicated; and (4) those who drive but claim not to have driven while intoxicated. Perceived probabilities of being stopped and arrested and being involved in an accident were evaluated as a function of manipulations of four cues (distance to destination, weather and road conditions, number of drinks, and time to consume). Perceived drunkenness was evaluated as a function of the manipulations of two cues (number of drinks consumed and time to consume). Results indicate the presence of several misperceptions and inappropriate response tendencies in the use of external cues. Results are discussed in terms of the differential impact of previous arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) on different DWI-related judgements.
Abstract