Self-reported Drink Driving and Deterrence

Abstract

The use of Random Breath Testing (RBT) to deter individuals from drink driving is seen as one of the major initiatives in Australian Road Safety. Viewed within the genre of general deterrence models, RBT enters the decision to drink and drive through increasing the perceived risk of being apprehended. Although long term crash statistics point to a possible link between the introduction of RBT and a reduction in drink driving, a number of researchers have questioned the stability of RBT as a counter measure. This paper analyses the deterrence effect of RBT in regional Queensland; an area where the rate of fatal crashes attributed to alcohol is high. The significant finding reported is that of itself the perceived threat of being apprehended does not significantly deter drink driving.