DETERRENT EFFECTS OF MANDATORY LICENSE SUSPENSION FOR DWI CONVICTION. FINAL REPORT

The present study examined the specific and general deterrent effects of Wisconsin's 1982 law mandating three to six month license suspensions for first-time convicted drinking drivers. Specific deterrence (stopping repeat drinking and driving among those convicted) was studied statewide before and after the new law. The results showed a reduction in subsequent convictions and crashes for those drivers convicted after May, 1982. General deterrence (stopping the general public from drinking and driving) was studied statewide and in Milwaukee. Statewide, the results suggested a substantial reduction in alcohol related crashes following passage of the law. In Milwaukee, a 1985 media campaign produced a substantial increase in the number of drivers aware of the mandatory suspension following a first drinking and driving conviction. It was concluded that 100% mandatory license suspension is an effective legal sanction against drinking and driving.