Results of the Random Breath Test Study

Abstract

In this chapter, data from the February and April surveys are analyzed. The analysis of the April data is presented first, using Figure 2.2 as the framework and focusing on the elements of the hypothesized causal chain through which respondents are influenced to modify their pre-RBT drinking and travel practices. The research questions were explained in detail in Chapter 5. In summary, the major objective of the analysis of the April data is to verify that the correlations predicted from the simple deterrence model actually occurred. In particular, the aim is to demonstrate: (a) that motorists living in areas in which RBT was intensively enforced reported a higher than average level of exposure to RBT; (b) that the higher the level of exposure to RBT (both through police activity and through publicity), the higher the subjective probability of being randomly tested and of being arrested for driving while intoxicated; and (c) that subjective test and arrest probabilities were positively correlated with the number of ways in which respondents modified their drinking and travel practices.