Citation

Maghsoodloo S, Brown DB, Greathouse PA. Am. J. Drug Alcohol Abuse 1988; 14(1): 97-108.

Affiliation

Department of Industrial Engineering, Auburn University, Alabama 36849.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3265031

Abstract

On May 19, 1980, a major revision in the Alabama DUI laws went into effect which gave judges greater discretion in sentencing. This revision resulted in an increase in the proportion of DUI convictions, a reduction in the number of DUI citations reduced to reckless driving, a reduction in the proportion of offenders acquitted and/or dismissed, an increase in the proportion of revocations, and an increase in court referrals to an educational program on the first offense. However, the 1980 revision was accompanied by a significant increase in the percentage of alcohol-related accidents. Consequently, the Alabama legislature revised the 1980 law on July 29, 1983, the revision taking effect immediately. The more stringent penalties in the new law apparently had a positive effect on all six alcohol-related measures cited above. Most importantly, the latest revision was accompanied by a significant decrease (2.80%) in the proportion of alcohol-related accidents.