FOLLOW-UP EVALUATION OF WISCONSIN'S 1982 DRINKING AND DRIVING LAW. FINAL REPORT

A previous study examined the deterrent effects of Wisconsin's 1982 law mandating three to six month license suspension for first-time convicted drinking drivers. This earlier study found that: crashes and violations were reduced during the first three to six months following conviction for convicted drinking drivers (i.e., during the period of suspension); there was statewide reduction in alcohol related crashes for the years 1982 to 1985 suggesting an overall or general deterrent effect of the law; and a 1985 media program in Milwaukee was successful in increasing motorist awareness of the law. The present study extended the analysis of subsequent crashes and violations for convicted drinking drivers to 24 months from the 12 months covered in the original study. The results showed that the effects reported in the earlier study were not diminished during the longer time period. The present study also extended the statewide alcohol related crash data to the year 1986 and found a continuation of the earlier reported crash reduction. Lastly, the present study re-examined driver knowledge and attitudes in Milwaukee and found some continuing effects of the 1985 media program.