Journal article
Does seeing it make a difference? The self-reported deterrent impact of random breath testing
Journal fo Safety Research, Vol.76, pp.1-8
2021
PMID: 33653540
Abstract
Introduction: Random Breath Testing (RBT) remains a primary method to both deter and apprehend drink drivers, yet a large proportion of road fatalities continue to be caused by the offense. Outstanding questions remain regarding how much exposure to RBT operations is needed to influence deterrence-based perceptions and subsequent offending. Method: Given this, licensed motorists (N = 961) in Queensland were recruited to complete a questionnaire either in the community (N = 741) or on the side of the road after just being breath tested (N = 243). Survey items measured different types of exposure to RBT operations (e.g., “seen” vs. “being tested”) and subsequent perceptions of apprehension as well as self-reported drink driving behaviors. Results: The key findings that emerged were: motorists were regularly exposed to RBT operations (both viewing and being tested), such exposure was not significantly correlated with perceptions of apprehension certainty, and a sizable proportion reported engaging in drink driving behaviors (e.g., approx. 25%), although roadside participants naturally reported a lower percentage of offending behaviors. Importantly, it was revealed that current “observations” of RBT was sufficient, but not actual levels of active testing (which needed to be doubled). Nevertheless, higher levels of exposure to RBT operations was found to be predictive of a lack of intention to drink and drive again in the future. Conclusions: This paper suggests that mere exposure to enforcement may not create the intended rule compliance, and that the frequency of exposure is also essential for the roadside.
Details
- Title
- Does seeing it make a difference? The self-reported deterrent impact of random breath testing
- Authors
- James Freeman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - LegacyAlexander Parkes (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - LegacyVerity Truelove (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - LegacyNaomi Lewis (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - LegacyJeremy Davey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- Journal fo Safety Research, Vol.76, pp.1-8
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd.
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jsr.2020.09.013
- ISSN
- 1879-1247
- PMID
- 33653540
- Organisation Unit
- Road Safety Research Collaboration; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99487107902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Ergonomics
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
- Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
- Transportation
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