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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
In this paper, we test the effect of three different criminal deterrence theory policy tools:
criminal certainty, severity, and celerity of punishment. Whereas most criminal deterrence studies
in this field focus on the former two components of deterrence theory, this study also examines
the potential deterrent effect of the latter component. Using a time-series design with monthly
data, we estimate the effects of an increase in the threat of punishment for traffic offenses
resulting from a general increase in fines for traffic offenses, an increase in the probability of
getting caught with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level outside the legal limits, and the
enactment of an “on-the-spot” fine payment policy in Portugal. We find strong evidence to
support a severity effect. An increase in the statutory severity of sentence maxima for traffic
violations leads to a decrease in accident and injury rates—approximately an average 0.5 percent
reduction in monthly accident and injury rates. Changes in the BAC levels and the mandatory
swift payment policy did not produce any convincing deterrence impact.
Description
Keywords
Blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level Deterrence celerity Deterrence severity On-the-spot payment Reckless driving
Citation
Tavares, António F.; Mendes, Sílvia M.; Costa, Cláudia C. (2008). The impact of deterrence policies on reckless driving: the case of Portugal. European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research. ISSN 0928-1371. 14:4, p. 417-429
Publisher
Springer