Journal article
Perceptual deterrence versus current behaviours : a study into factors influencing drug driving in Queensland
Road and Transport Research, Vol.19(3), pp.3-13
2010
Abstract
A range of interventions are being implemented in Australia to apprehend and deter drug driving behaviour, in particular the recent implementation of random roadside drug testing procedures in Queensland. Given this countermeasure has a strong deterrence foundation, it is of interest to determine whether deterrence-based perceptual factors are influencing this offending behaviour or whether self-reported drug driving is heavily dependent upon illicit substance consumption levels and past offending behaviour. This study involves a sample of Queensland motorists (N = 898) who completed a self-report questionnaire that collected a range of information, including drug driving and drug consumption practices, conviction history, and perceptual deterrence factors. The aim was to examine what factors influence current drug driving behaviours. Analysis of the collected data revealed that approximately 20% of participants reported drug driving at least once in the last six months. Overall, there was considerable variability in the respondents' perceptions regarding the certainty, severity and swiftness of legal sanctions, although the largest proportion of the sample did not consider such sanctions to be certain, severe or swift. In regard to predicting those who intended to drug drive again in the future, a combination of perceptual and behavioural-based factors were associated with such intentions. However, a closer examination revealed that behaviours, rather than perceptions, proved to have a greater level of influence on the current sample's future intentions to offend. This paper further outlines the major findings of the study and highlights that multi-modal interventions are most likely required to reduce the prevalence of drug driving on public roads.
Details
- Title
- Perceptual deterrence versus current behaviours : a study into factors influencing drug driving in Queensland
- Authors
- James E Freeman (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyChristopher N Watling (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyJeremy D Davey (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyGavan R Palk (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
- Publication details
- Road and Transport Research, Vol.19(3), pp.3-13
- Publisher
- A R R B Group Ltd.
- Date published
- 2010
- ISSN
- 1037-5783
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2010 The Author. The author's accepted version is reproduced here in accordance with the publisher's copyright policy.
- Organisation Unit
- Road Safety Research Collaboration; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450732702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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