This scientific poster presents a project that evaluates the impact of an extensive 2.5 year old statewide sobriety checkpoint programme. The programme, "Operation DWI", started in 1996 is predicated on general deterrence theory emphasizing that the consequences of driving while intoxicated (DWI) will be certain, severe and swift. Specific evaluation components included: a time series analysis of statewide motor vehicle crashes; and five statewide telephone surveys and one personal interview survey. In 1995, total number of deaths due to impaired driving was 231, compared to an all time low of 228 in 1994, 249 in 1993 and 274 in 1992. The first five months of 1996 showed 96 alcohol involved fatalities. alcohol involved fatalities. Since the programme initiation, the monthly average of alcohol involved crashes was 16.3, compared to a four-year preprogramme average of 19.7 per month. Interrupted time series analyses for a 16 year period indicate a positive effect of the programme. The seasonal moving average model giving the best fit to alcohol-related fatal crashes during the months which the intervention was active showed a reduction of approximately 3 deaths per checkpoint month (about 20%). Results from the telephone survey indicated little movement on the survey measures of risk perception, sanction certainty or reported drinking-driving behaviour.
Abstract