Julie Tison

Effectiveness of Behavioral Highway Safety Countermeasures

This report presents the findings of a research project to develop a framework and guidance for estimating the costs and benefits of emerging, experimental, untried, or unproven behavioral highway safety countermeasures. This report will be of particular interest to safety practitioners responsible for the development and implementation of the states Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

The relationship between the theory of evolution and the social sciences, particularly psychology.

Abstract: The application of the theory of evolution to human social behavior has, along with some illumination, produced friction that occasionally bursts into flame. In this paper we will examine the relationship between the theory of evolution and the social sciences, psychology in particular. We will identify some of the sources of friction between proponents and opponents of applying evolutionary theory to the social sciences, and we will suggest that listening carefully to both sides in the debate points the way to an enriched understanding of human social behavior.

Patterns of recidivism related to case dispositions of alcohol-impaired driving offenses.

Objectives: The current study examined the relationship between court outcomes of a first alcohol-impaired driving charge and recidivism. Methods: Data on arrests for alcohol-impaired driving offenses (driving under the influence [DUI] and the lesser offense of driving while impaired [DWI]) and associated court dispositions were obtained from the State of Maryland for 1994–2003. Drivers whose first DUI- or DWI-related disposition took place during 1999–2000 were included in analysis. Eighty-two percent of arrests resulted in conviction (29% without probation before judgment [PBJ] and 53% with PBJ); 10 percent of defendants were not prosecuted, 3 percent were acquitted, and all other adjudications combined (eg, abated by death, failure to appear) accounted for 5 percent. Recidivism was tracked by compiling instances of rearrest for an alcohol-related driving offense during the 3 years following disposition. Results: Approximately 10 percent of all drivers arrested for DUI/DWI recidivated within 3 years after their first disposition, and the rate of recidivism varied by court outcome. The rate of recidivism was lowest (10%) for drivers who were convicted (with or without PBJ), followed by 13 percent for cases not prosecuted and 16 percent for acquittals. After controlling for other factors and relative to drivers who were acquitted, it was estimated that drivers who were not prosecuted were 23 percent less likely to recidivate, whereas drivers who were convicted with or without PBJ were 39 percent less likely to recidivate. Conclusions: Data limitations prevented comparison of recidivism rates for convictions with and without PBJ. Reasons for not prosecuting are unknown, but the findings indicate that the decision is resulting in higher recidivism rates than would occur with prosecution and conviction.

The Effects of Maine's Change to Primary Seat Belt Law on Seat Belt Use and Public Perception and Awareness

Maine upgraded its seat belt law to primary enforcement on September 20, 2007. Belt observations during the day and night were conducted along with awareness surveys in state licensing offices. Both daytime and nighttime observed belt use increased in the months following implementation of the law (daytime 77–84%; night 69–81%). Although daytime belt use was generally higher, nighttime belt use showed a greater increase than daytime belt use. Awareness surveys indicated that Maine motorists were clearly aware of the law change and its consequences. Survey respondents also indicated having heard both messages about enforcement and messages encouraging belt use. Primary seat belt laws may have a stronger effect on belt use at night—when risk is higher—than during the day.