Drinking-Driver in Madison - A Study of the Problem and the Community's Response, Volume 2

• NCJ Number: 91293
• Author(s): H Goldstein; C E Susmilch
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 212 pages
• Grant Number(s): 80-IJ-CX-0041
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored

Annotation

Two ways to increase the effectiveness of the police response to the drinking driver problem in Madison, Wis., would be to dramatically increase the number of police contacts with drivers who are suspected of being intoxicated and to improve the ability of the police to determine alcohol's role in traffic accidents.

Abstract

Three other possible ways would be to monitor the drivers whose behavior poses a continuing or increasing danger, to increase control over the provision of alcohol to persons who will be driving, and to intensify efforts to educate the community regarding the drinking-driving problem. A main limitation in the current system for dealing with drunk drivers is the constraint on resources. Other major problems are the lack of uniform criteria for deciding whether to arrest an intoxicated driver, potential caseload burdens on the criminal justice system, the continuing ambivalence of the community in its attitude toward those who both drink and drive, and the difficulty the criminal justice system experiences in dealing with the most troublesome cases. Having training, written policy, managerial support, and efforts to encourage bars to prevent intoxicated driving would help deal with these problems. The city has a major problem with drinking and driving, which result in major costs in deaths, injuries, loss of earning power, and emotional distress. Data tables and reference notes for each chapter are supplied. For related volumes presenting the problem-oriented approach to police work, see NCJ-91292, 91294, and 91295.