Repeat drink drivers study

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of drivers with repeat drink-driving charges in order to determine the best mix of countermeasures aimed at reducing drink-driving in this group of high risk offenders. The study involved three components: a review of the international literature; an analysis of data on repeat drink drivers in Western Australia; and an in-depth interview study of 40 repeat drink drivers. Repeat drink drivers were defined as those with two or more drink driving charges. The report makes a number of specific recommendations for improving responses for repeat drink drivers. It suggests that as much as possible, ways should be sought to keep offenders within the system that consists of formal laws and informal social controls, rather than apply penalties in ways that undermine adherence to the law and reinforce further drink driving.

Expected outcome: This study has informed the development of new legislation and associated interventions to prevent drink driving among this high risk group of recidivist offenders.