Abstract
A gap remains in research regarding public perception of the consequences of drinking and driving. Using perceptual deterrence research, this study aimed to narrow this gap by exploring the subjects’ perceptions of the legal and non-legal consequences of driving under the influence. Specifically, this study aimed to examine the perceived deterrence strength of these consequences and their relationship to one’s self-reported drinking and driving behavior. The data were sourced through a survey handout given to students of California State University, Sacramento. This research reveals the subjects’ perceptions of the non-legal consequences of drinking and driving are slightly more favorable as deterrents than the legal ones. Also, this study supports its hypothesis that the more the subject favors the individual consequences of drinking and driving as deterrents, the less drinking and driving behavior they self-report.