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Deterrence and Subjective Probabilities of Arrest - Modeling Individual Decisions To Drink and Drive in Sweden

NCJ Number
97814
Journal
Law and Society Review Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: (1984) Pages: 583-604
Author(s)
P Shapiro; H L Votey
Date Published
1984
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Illegal behavior responding to subjective probabilities of arrest and consequent costs is modeled within a framework of individual choice under uncertainty.
Abstract
The model is formulated for the case of driving while intoxicated and tested with data that include all arrests for drunken driving in Sweden from 1976-1979. Results indicate that an arrest experience reduces the probability that a person will drive while drunk. The results suggest that an arrest increases a person's perceived probability of arrest and/or the unpleasantness of an arrest and thus leads to a reduced chance of acting illegally. (Publisher abstract)