Determinants for Drunk Driving Recidivism-An Application of the Integrated Prototype Willingness Model

Abstract

The paper applies the prototype willingness model (PWM) and incorporates components of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), along with deterrence factors, to understand the behavioral intentions, willingness, and recidivism behaviors of individuals penalized for drunk driving. It explores psychological and social factors influencing repeat offenses, focusing on attitudes, subjective norms, prototypes, and deterrence. The PWM outlines two pathways-reasoned (based on intentions) and social reactive (based on willingness). The model helps predict risky behaviors like drunk driving. Thirteen hypotheses are proposed in this study to examine how various factors, such as attitudes, subjective norms, and deterrence, influence willingness, intentions, and behavior. Surveys were conducted among individuals attending road safety classes after being penalized for drunk driving. A total of 1156 individuals participated in the survey, with 855 valid responses collected. The results indicate that behavioral willingness had a stronger impact on recidivism than intention. On the other hand, subjective norms did not significantly affect the intent to reoffend, but attitudes, deterrence, and PBC did. The findings suggest that focusing on behavioral willingness, deterrence, and educational interventions could help reduce repeat drunk driving offenses. The paper offers insights for policymakers to improve prevention strategies, by focusing on the psychological motivators of repeat offenders.

Keywords: drunk driving; prototype willingness model; recidivism.

Figure 1

The prototype willingness model (Gibbons et al., 1998).

Figure 2

Path model shows the hypothesis relationships between PWM variables, perceived behavioral control, and deterrence variables. Note: Bold lines indicate significant paths. Dotted lines indicate non-significant paths; * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.001.