Research Studies & Reports

DMV’s Research & Development Branch has been conducting research and producing studies and reports since the 1950s. Research & Development reports help DMV to measure the impact of new laws on making drivers safer. We also identify areas where we can improve our processes, explore new approaches to solving existing problems, and branch out into new opportunities to serve you better. 

Request printed copies of studies and reports by mail at:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Research and Development Branch
2415 1st Ave. Mail Station: F-126
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 914-8125

Please include the report number, the number of copies requested, and your name, address, and phone number.

393 Results

Report ID Date Published Title Section Links
NRN086 1996/ 01

The Relationship Between Age-Related Functional Disability and Road Safety

By: Raymond C. Peck

To define the relationship between aging and safe driving for use by General Motors and NHTSA in establishing research funding priorities.

VI
49 1974/ 07

The Psychometric Prediction of Negligent Driver Recidivism

By: Richard M. Harano

To determine whether the subsequent driving record of problem drivers could be predicted following a group driver improvement meeting, and to assess the contribution of psychometric and personality test variables in improving prediction.

IV
244 2013/ 10

THE PROBLEM OF SUSPENDED AND REVOKED DRIVERS WHO AVOID DETECTION AT DUI/LICENSE CHECKPOINTS

By: THE PROBLEM OF SUSPENDED AND REVOKED DRIVERS WHO AVOID DETECTION AT DUI/LICENSE CHECKPOINTS

Although driver license suspension and revocation have been shown to improve traffic safety, suspended or revoked (SR) drivers who continue to drive—which appears to be the majority— are about three times more likely to be involved in crashes and to cause a fatal crash. The purpose of this study was to estimate the extent to which these drivers avoid detection at driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) and license checkpoints because they illegally possess a physical license. Method. Law enforcement used electronic identification card readers at DUI/License checkpoints in Sacramento, California to record data for 13,705 drivers for purposes of estimating the extent to which SR drivers avoid detection. Differences in detection as a function of the reason for suspension or revocation were also investigated. Results. Although only 3% of the drivers contacted at the checkpoints were SR, about 41% of SR drivers were able to pass through undetected because they presented valid-looking licenses that should not have been in their possession. Drivers SR for DUI-related reasons were more likely to be detected, whereas those SR for failure to provide proof of financial responsibility were less likely to be detected. Discussion. The fact that many SR drivers were able to pass through DUI/License checkpoints undetected indicates a loophole in the traffic safety countermeasure system that needs to be addressed, because it undermines the efficacy of suspension/revocation and checkpoint countermeasures. Recommendations for improving licensing agency suspension orders and checkpoint screening methods are provided.

V
50 1974/ 01

The Prediction of Driving Record Following Driver Improvement Contacts

By: William C. Marsh & David M. Hubert

To construct prediction equations for post-contact driving records based on three data sources-prior driving record, driver questionnaire responses, and driver improvement analyst (DIA) interview information.

IV
NRN042 1968/ 07

The Prediction of Driver Behavior Subsequent to Receipt of Official Letters of Reprimand

By: Raymond C. Peck

To isolate factors that predict the quality of a driver's record following receipt of various styles of warning letters.

IV
39 1973/ 03

The Prediction of Accident Liability through Biographical Data and Psychometric Tests

By: Richard M. Harano, Robin S. McBride, & Raymond C. Peck

To evaluate the role of human factors in traffic accidents.

IV
NRN039 1967/ 07

The Measurement of Warning Letters on Two Dimensions: Threat and Intimacy

By: Robin S. McBride

To develop letters that vary in the degree of threat and intimacy of style for use with negligent drivers.

IV
90 1984/ 04

The Long-Term Traffic Safety Impact of Pilot Alcohol Abuse Treatment as an Alternative to License Suspensions (Volume 2 of “An Evaluation of the California Drunk Driving Countermeasure System”)

By: Daniel D. Sadler & M. W. Perrine

To evaluate the long-term traffic safety effects of participating in a Senate Bill (SB) 330 drunk driver program in lieu of receiving a mandatory license suspension or revocation.

III
NRN058 1993/ 01

The Identification of Multiple Accident Correlates in High Risk Drivers with Specific Emphasis on the Role of Age, Experience & Prior Traffic Violation Frequency

By: Raymond C. Peck

To summarize the state of current knowledge on multiple risk factors among driver accident correlates.

IV
NRN056 1992/ 01

The Identification of High-Risk Target Groups

By: Raymond C. Peck

To advice the federal government (NHTSA) on traffic safety priorities and risk identification strategy.

IV