Problems in deterrence: a comparison of the driving histories of DUII and non-DUII drivers

Driving records of subjects arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), both recidivists and nonrecidivists, were compared with records of an age- and sex-matched random sample of non-DUII drivers. Major differences were found between DUII and non-DUII groups in the incidence of traffic violations but some differences also existed between nonrecidivist and recidivist DUII subjects. Rehabilitative diversion programs for first-time DUII offenders did not affect recidivism rates in the study population. Findings in this study suggest that general deterrence directed at the non-DUII population should receive emphasis equal to specific deterrence directed at DUII offenders.