Does seeing it make a difference? The self-reported deterrent impact of random breath testing

James Freeman; Alexander Parkes; Verity Truelove; Naomi Lewis; Jeremy Davey

doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2020.09.013

Back

Does seeing it make a difference? The self-reported deterrent impact of random breath testing

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Does seeing it make a difference? The self-reported deterrent impact of random breath testing

James Freeman, Alexander Parkes, Verity Truelove, Naomi Lewis and Jeremy Davey

Journal fo Safety Research, Vol.76, pp.1-8

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2020.09.013

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2020.09.013View

Published Version

Abstract

drink driving

random breath testing

exposure

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 - Legacy
Alexander Parkes (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
Verity Truelove (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
Naomi Lewis (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
Jeremy 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.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2020.09.013
ISSN: 1879-1247
Organisation Unit: Road Safety Research Collaboration; School of Law and Society; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Psychology; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99487107902621
Output Type: Journal article

Metrics

58 Record Views

15 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Web Of Science research areas: Ergonomics; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary; Transportation

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites