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Impact of Deterrence Policies on Reckless Driving: The Case of Portugal

NCJ Number
225452
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2008 Pages: 417-429
Author(s)
Antonio F. Tavares; Silvia M. Mendes; Claudia S. Costa
Date Published
December 2008
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article examines the impact of a three-fold package of deterrence-based traffic enforcement interventions in Portugal.
Abstract
Results found strong evidence to support a severity effect, as an increase in the statutory severity of sentence maxima for traffic violations lead to a decrease in accident and injury rates--approximately an average 0.5 percent reduction in monthly accident and injury rates. Changes in the blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) levels and the mandatory swift payment policy did not produce any convincing deterrence impact. This paper tested the effect of three different criminal deterrence theory policy tools: criminal certainty, severity, and celerity of punishment. Whereas most criminal deterrence studies in this field have focused on the former two components of deterrence theory, this study also examined the potential deterrent effect of the latter component. Using a time-series design with monthly data, the paper estimates the effects of an increase in the threat of punishment for traffic offenses resulting from a general increase in fines for traffic offenses, an increase in the probability of getting caught with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level outside the legal limits, and the enactment of an “on-the-spot” fine payment policy in Portugal. Data were obtained from governmental and trade association sources. Figures, tables, and references