01153386

Component

This paper describes the methodology and results of an effort to determine drivers’ drinking and driving behaviors and the impact of the DWI Checkpoint Program in Fairfax County, Virginia. To evaluate the program, surveys were distributed at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Customer Service Centers and 2 DMV Select Offices located within Fairfax County. The survey aimed to learn if the actions taken by drivers in Fairfax County in relation to drinking and driving were changed by the presence of DWI checkpoints. Drivers overall had a positive opinion of the DWI checkpoint and for those who drank before driving, respondents indicated that it has changed their behavior. Fairfax County respondents felt that they were likely to be stopped by a police officer if they had too much to drink since only 21% felt that it would be somewhat or very unlikely that they would be stopped. There is also overall support of the checkpoint program as 84% of respondents support the program and only 3% strongly opposed it. In fact, 41% of residents think that the sobriety checkpoints should be done more frequently than once a week and still 36% feel that having a checkpoint once a week is adequate. Sixty-one percent of drivers that drank at least two hours before driving and had seen a sobriety checkpoint had stated that they changed their behavior due to the checkpoint program by drinking less, not drinking at all, having a designated driver, or took a cab or other ride home.

01147878

10-1433

English

11p

2010

Transportation Research Board 89th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures (1) ; References (3) ; Tables (6)

Alcohol use; Automobile drivers; Behavior modification; Designated drivers; Drunk driving; Highway safety; Safety campaigns; Sobriety checkpoints

Fairfax County (Virginia)

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2010 Paper #10-1433

TRIS, TRB

Jan 25 2010 10:38AM