Research Article Open Access

Testing a Specific Deterrence Model on Drunk Driving Recidivism

Alyssa M. Sheeran1 and Jayden Varline1
  • 1 Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, United States

Abstract

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a unique and significant public health issue. Wisconsin is of particular concern due to the high levels of binge drinking and incidences of drinking and driving. Legal sanctions for reducing drinking and driving have been influenced by the tenets of deterrence theory, yet the effectiveness of these approaches remains inconsistent. The current study contributed to criminological theory and practice by testing a specific deterrence model on a sample of individuals who were incarcerated in a local correctional facility to determine the influence of both deterrent and individual factors on the likelihood of drunk driving recidivism. Results of the study, as well as policy implications and future research are discussed throughout the paper.

Journal of Social Sciences
Volume 21 No. 1, 2025, 136-146

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2025.136.146

Submitted On: 13 March 2025 Published On: 17 November 2025

How to Cite: Sheeran, A. M. & Varline, J. (2025). Testing a Specific Deterrence Model on Drunk Driving Recidivism. Journal of Social Sciences, 21(1), 136-146. https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2025.136.146

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Keywords

  • Drunk Driving
  • Recidivism
  • Deterrence Theory
  • Specific Deterrence