NCJ Number
140758
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1993) Pages: 30-46
Date Published
1993
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Data were taken from the 1986 Ontario Survey of Nighttime Drivers to test the assumption of Gottfredson and Hirschi that most criminal behavior is impulsive and reflects a lack of self-control.
Abstract
An attempt was made to test Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime by examining the relationship between self-control and driving under the influence of alcohol for 12,777 male and female drivers. Overall, the measures of risk taking behavior had positive and statistically significant effects on blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Those men and women who exhibited a lifestyle lacking in self-control tended to show higher levels of BAC. This was the case in the instance of a more general measure, such as the number of drinks consumed in the previous seven days, or the more specific failure to wear a seat belt. Personal recognition of impairment did not emerge as likely to deter driving under the influence. Those who believed that they were over the legal limit of impairment showed higher BAC levels than those who did not. Those discouraged by others from driving had higher BACs than those not discouraged. Perceived certainty of apprehension was not a deterrent for men driving under the influence. Even in cases with recognition of impairment and high certainty of punishment, some individuals drive and also do so when discouraged from driving. Driving under the influence behavior emerges as impulsive, risky, hedonistic, and short-term oriented. 6 footnotes, 2 tables, and 43 references