Abstract
The main question discussed is if the severity of the sentence has any effect on the recidivism of a person convicted for drunken driving. An analysis of 1674 sentences in the period 1960-1964 is made. The role of various factors on the determination of the severity of the sentence, the differences between people who have and those who have not been punished with unconditional imprisonment, the possibilities for predicting recidivism, and other questions are discussed. The main conclusion is that the severity of the punishment has no effect on recidivism. Finally a number of recommendations are given, for a more effective policy with respect to drunken drivers.