An examination of the characteristics and traffic risks of drivers suspended/revoked for different reasons.
OBJECTIVE
Prior research has demonstrated that suspended/revoked drivers pose a significant traffic risk, but until now little has been known about whether, and if so how, this risk varies as a function of the reason for suspension/revocation.


METHODS
This study classifies suspended/revoked drivers into subgroups based on their reason for suspension/revocation, and then develops demographic and driving record profiles for each group. Separate driving record profiles are developed for the following traffic safety indicators, measured 3 years prior to the suspension/revocation action: (a) total crashes, (b) fatal/injury crashes, (c) total traffic convictions, and (d) total incidents (crashes + convictions).


RESULTS
The findings clearly show that: (a) suspended/revoked drivers are a heterogeneous group, both demographically and in their driving behavior; (b) some suspended drivers, such as those suspended/revoked for a non-driving offense, have low traffic risks that are not much higher than those of validly-licensed drivers, and; (c) all suspended groups have elevated crash and conviction rates, compared to validly-licensed drivers.


CONCLUSIONS
The implications of these findings for current laws and policies targeting suspended/revoked drivers are discussed, and recommendations for improving these laws/policies are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
None.
Research and Development Branch, California Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 932345, Sacramento, CA 94232-3820, USA. ddeyoung@dmv.ca.gov
David J
DJ
DeYoung
Michael A
MA
Gebers
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D002140:California; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008004:Licensure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking