NCJ Number
104871
Date Published
1986
Length
62 pages
Annotation
Dealing with the drunk driving problem requires a comprehensive approach in a community and should not rely only on the correctional system, especially the use of jails.
Abstract
One of every two Americans is likely to be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime, and alcohol-related crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans between ages 16 and 24. In response to concerns about drunk driving, the U.S. Congress has recently passed a law providing incentives to States to pass laws requiring that drunk drivers serve jail sentences. However, many jails are already overcrowded and understaffed. Some are under court order to reduce their inmate populations and improve services. If some of their limited space is to be used for drunk drivers, a system for making logical correctional decisions will be needed. In addition, establishing accepted relationships between fines, probation restriction, community service, and incarceration will offer the courts and corrections officials maximum flexibility in dealing with limitations in local correctional facilities and programs. Communities need to assess their total needs to ensure that their correctional responses are both cost-effective and appropriate. Included are recommended principles for correctional programming for drunk drivers. Maps; figures; data tables; glossary; appended executive summary of a study on the use of 2-day jail sentences for drunk drivers in Hennepin County, Minn.; and 123 references. For three related reports, see NCJ 104872-104874.