Mandatory Jail Sentence for Drinking and Driving

• NCJ Number: 92228
• Journal: Evaluation Review Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1983) Pages: 235-246
• Author(s): J W Grube; K A Kearney
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Research funded by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. A preliminary report of these findings was presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, August 1982.

Annotation

The Yakima Drinking and Driving Project (Washington) was intended to change public attitudes toward drinking and driving and to decrease its incidence by implementing a 2-day jail sentence for persons convicted of driving while intoxicated.

Abstract

This evaluation assessed the project's implementation and impact. Data were obtained through surveys of the public and of law enforcement personnel and from official accident, Breathalyzer, and court records. The jail sentence was well received by law enforcement officers and by the public; public attitudes were changed possibly as a result of the jail sentence. However, alcohol involvement in accidents was not reduced, nor did the incidence of drinking and driving decrease. Lack of public awareness and variability in judicial enforcement were factors that may have contributed to this failure. Graphs, 4 notes, and 13 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)