Citation

Davey JD, Freeman JE. Sultan Qaboos Univ. Med. J. 2011; 11(1): 29-37.

Affiliation

Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety, Institute of Health and Biological Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Sultan Qaboos University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21509205

PMCID

PMC3074684

Abstract

The efficacy of road safety countermeasures to deter motorists from engaging in illegal behaviours is extremely important when considering the personal and economic impact of road accidents on the community. In many countries, deterrence theory has remained a cornerstone of criminology and criminal justice policy, particularly within the field of road safety, as policy makers and enforcement agencies attempt to increase perceptions regarding the certainty, severity and swiftness of sanctions for those who engage in illegal motoring behaviours. Using the Australian experience (particularly the tremendous amount of research into drink driving), the current paper reviews the principles underpinning deterrence theory, the utilisation of the approach within some contemporary road safety initiatives (e.g., random breath testing) as well as highlighting some methods to enhance a deterrent effect. The paper also provides direction for future deterrence-based research, in particular, considering the powerful impact of non-legal sanctions, punishment avoidance as well as creating culturally embedded behavioural change.

Language: en