DRINKING DRIVER - USE OF VIDEOTAPE AND PERSONALITY TESTING IN DETECTION AND STUDY

This paper includes an analysis of the problem, attitudes of the police and the prosecutor, methods of research, and the results of data collected in the course of efforts to curtail traffic fatalities and injuries. The main concern is with servicemen who performed well on the videotape-recorded field sobriety tests in spite of high blood alcohol concentrations. Information derived from returned questionnaires casts doubt on the first hypothesis concerning the importance of one's physical condition and ability in performing well on field sobriety tests while severly intoxicated. The second assumption, that severly intoxicated drivers would reflect high levels of family and social instability, is confirmed. The study did indicate problem or deviant drinking habits on the part of the subjects involved. One third of the subjects had previous alcohol-related violations. Results indicate that the individuals have conditioned their actions so that they appear to be merely slow and deliberate. In addition the natural rigidity of their occupation appearing to contribute to their habitual drinking habits. The most serious problem was the lack of social responsibility on the part of those who drink and drive. The majority apprehended either refused to admit, or were unaware of their actions. /Author/

  • Corporate Authors:

    International Association of Chiefs of Police

    11 Firstfield Road
    Gaithersburg, MD  United States  20760
  • Authors:
    • Leblanc, A G
    • Brennan, M E
  • Publication Date: 1973

Media Info

  • Pagination: 10 p.
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00141763
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Criminal Justice Service
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Aug 4 1977 12:00AM