Factors Affecting Recidivism of Drunk Driving for Car and Motorbike Users

Abstract

This study explored the important factors affecting the recidivism rate of drunk driving for car and motorbike users. The respondents were students of Taiwan’s road safety training course, which was required for all drunk drivers who were suspended from driving due to the violation of regulations. The characteristics of the drunk car and motorbike drivers, such as socioeconomic variables, alcohol consumption changes, family life cycle, and changes in the number of trips, were investigated. This study estimated the models affecting the recidivism rate of drunk driving for car and motorbike users with the logistic regression model. The main variables included drivers with a university degree or above who tend not to be recidivists compared to the drivers without one. Such respondents are more willing to avoid the risk of becoming drunk driving recidivists. Moreover, the variables of alcohol use disorders’ identification test (AUDIT), breath alcohol concentration, and frequency of drunk driving all significantly affect the possibility of recidivism. In terms of family life cycle, married respondents with children aged between 1 and 5 are less likely to become drunk driving recidivists. Those who take motorbikes as an alternative vehicle after being suspended from driving cars are more likely to become drunk driving recidivists. This study suggests the measures of suspending or withdrawing car and motorbike driver’s licenses at the same time, using alcolocks to restrict the right to drive, and increasing the frequency of drunk driving crackdowns. In addition, in terms of alcohol consumption behaviors, drinkers with high risks and drunk drivers with high breath alcohol concentrations should be regarded as the key targets for future tracking in order to avoid drunk driving recidivism.