Implied-consent laws: A review of the literature and examination of current problems and related statutes |
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Authors: | Robert B. Voas [Author Vitae] Tara Kelley-Baker [Author Vitae]Author Vitae] Radha Vishnuvajjala [Author Vitae] |
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Affiliation: | Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation 11720 Beltsville Drive, Suite 900, Calverton, MD 20705-3111 |
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Abstract: | ProblemA substantial proportion of drivers arrested for DUI refuse the BAC test, thereby reducing the likelihood that they will be convicted and potentially increasing the number of high-risk multiple offenders contributing to alcohol-related crashes.MethodThis paper reviews the information on the current status of implied-consent laws (which impose a sanction on offenders who refuse the BAC test) in the 50 states and the other relevant traffic safety laws and policies that may influence state refusal rates.ResultsAlthough there appears to be only a weak relationship between state refusal rates and crash rates, there is strong evidence that BAC test refusals significantly compromise the arrest, prosecution, and sentencing of DUI suspects and the overall enforcement of DUI laws in the United States.DiscussionLaws and policies that may reduce the number of refusals are discussed.Impact on industryAlcohol-related crash injuries are an important cost problem for U.S. industry because of property damage from crashes, crash injuries to employees that raise health costs, or the reduction of time on the job resulting from a highway injury. |
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Keywords: | Implied consent BAC refusal Breath test refusal Impaired driving DWI enforcement |
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