Although driver license suspension and revocation have been shown to improve traffic safety, suspended or revoked (SR) drivers who continue to drive-which appears to be the majority- are about three times more likely to be involved in crashes and to cause a fatal crash. The purpose of this study was to estimate the extent to which these drivers avoid detection at driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) and license checkpoints because they illegally possess a physical license. Law enforcement used electronic identification card readers at DUI/License checkpoints in Sacramento, California to record data for 13,705 drivers for purposes of estimating the extent to which SR drivers avoid detection. Differences in detection as a function of the reason for suspension or revocation were also investigated. Although only 3% of the drivers contacted at the checkpoints were SR, about 41% of SR drivers were able to pass through undetected because they presented valid-looking licenses that should not have been in their possession. Drivers SR for DUI-related reasons were more likely to be detected, whereas those SR for failure to provide proof of financial responsibility were less likely to be detected. The fact that many SR drivers were able to pass through DUI/License checkpoints undetected indicates a loophole in the traffic safety countermeasure system that needs to be addressed, because it undermines the efficacy of suspension/revocation and checkpoint countermeasures. Recommendations for improving licensing agency suspension orders and checkpoint screening methods are provided. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting