RTSSC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	The Effects of Legislatively-Mandated Sobriety on First-Time and Repeat DUI Offenders in North Dakota
Authors:	Andrew Kubas, Poyraz Kayabas, and Kimberly Vachal
Publication Date:	Sep 2016
Report #:	DP-290
TRID #:	01614856
Keywords:	behavior, crash rates, drunk drivers, drunk driving, legislation, offenders, recidivism, safety programs
Type:	Research Report – Department Publications

Abstract

The 24/7 Sobriety Program is an intervention strategy mandating that impaired driving offenders remain sober as a condition of bond or pre-trial release. The goal is to monitor the most at-risk offenders in North Dakota and require that these individuals remain sober in order to keep roadways safe from hazardous drivers. As a component of the program, offenders are required to submit to twice-a-day blood alcohol concentration tests, ankle bracelet monitoring, drug patches, or urinalysis as a monitoring technique. If a program participant fails to remain sober, the individual is sent directly to jail. In 2013, House Bill 1302 – which mandated longer enrollment periods for repeat DUI offenders – went into effect. This project seeks to understand if the passing of this legislation altered behavioral performance of participants in the program. It also addresses potential deterrent effects stemming from the program. Results show that participants significantly improve crash and citation metrics after enrolling in the program. Longer sentencing periods appear to have stronger deterrent effects. Individuals who participate in the program multiple times have an above-average likelihood of relapsing into negative behavior. These individuals typically perform positively when enrolled in the program, but recidivate shortly after completing program mandates. Other programs may be more appropriate for these individuals as they represent the North Dakota driver population which likely has issues with alcohol abuse and self-control.

How to Cite

Kubas, Andrew, Poyraz Kayabas, and Kimberly Vachal. The Effects of Legislatively-Mandated Sobriety on First-Time and Repeat DUI Offenders in North Dakota, DP-290. North Dakota State University, Fargo: Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, 2016.