A Comparison of Drivers with High versus Low Perceived Risk of Being Caught and Arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Objectives: To examine the beliefs, behaviors and knowledge of drivers concerning drunk driving and to compare those with greater or lesser perceptions of risk of being caught driving while impaired.

Methods: A random digit-dial telephone survey was conducted of 850 licensed drivers throughout Maryland who reported their driving behaviors, crash history, beliefs about various alcohol countermeasures, and their knowledge of state alcohol laws.

Results: Most drivers (72%) did not feel it was very likely that they would be stopped by the police if they drove after having too much to drink (low risk perceivers). High risk perceivers (28%) felt it was very likely that they would be stopped and most of them (70%) felt it was very likely that they would be arrested and convicted. Less than half (45%) of the low risk perceivers felt they would be arrested and convicted if they drove impaired. High risk perceivers were significantly more likely to be non-white, less likely to drive 10 mph above the speed limit, but were more likely have 5 or more tickets in their lifetime and believed that sobriety checkpoints are effective. They were also more aware of laws regarding mandatory use of ignition interlocks for repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenders and the zero tolerance law for under 21 year old drivers. Conclusion: There is a need to elevate the perceived risk of being caught when driving while alcohol impaired.