Can technology be used to intervene in behavior in a human factors engineering approach to drunk driving deterrence?

摘要

Drinking and driving is a major criminal justice policy concern, as well as a public health and safety issue. Society's ambivalent views toward the use of alcohol and the automobile compound the problem. Traditional approaches to reducing drinking-driving are based on deterrence theory, which states that if punishments are, or are perceived as, quick, certain and sufficiently severe, the potential offender will be deterred from committing the act. The theory assumes rational decision making, and weighing costs and benefits. Studies continue to show that the deterrence approach has little or no effect, especially long term.; The medical treatment model targets alcohol abuse and by "curing" the alcoholism, drinking-driving incidents would be reduced. This approach has also had little or no impact on the problem.; This study assumes that individuals do not always make informed, rational choices, particularly when alcohol-impaired. A primary objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of technology to intervene in behavior to prevent an alcohol-impaired person from driving. The study draws on the theory of human factors engineering, which bases vehicle and highway safety programs on the integration of man, machine and environment. The technology, Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID), interacts between the operator and vehicle to prevent the engine from starting when alcohol is detected in the driver. Key to the question of its potential effectiveness is whether drivers will accept the use of the device.; A second issue addressed is, once the BAIID is removed, is there any long-term behavior modification as a result of continuous use over time? This study looks at post-probation behavior for almost six years.; Results of this study show that the BAIID is effective to reduce drinking-driving events both while installed and after it has been removed.; From a public policy perspective, implications for implementation are addressed. The findings of this study are relevant to criminal justice policy makers and also for offering explanations for obstacles to implementation of policies.