Driving while intoxicated: increased deterrence or alternative transportation for the drunk driver

The current investigation was designed to examine the community impact from introducing free alternative transportation for the drunk/drugged driver in Sacramento, California. Baseline data were obtained from 1,522 bar and nightclub patrons in Sacramento and San Jose, California. The major findings show that drinking and driving is commonplace, as is riding with intoxicated motorists, in spite of the perceived unacceptability of this behavior. The majority of customers also noted they felt confident in their ability to drive safely when "feeling intoxicated." Increased law enforcement patrols are not seen as a deterrence to drunk driving behavior by the majority of respondents. If free alternative transportation was available for the drunk/drugged driver in the area surveyed, however, 85% of respondents said they "might use" to "definitely would use" the service.