The Detection of DWI Motorcyclists

Stuster, Jack, 1947- · 1993 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This 1993 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), authored by Jack W. Stuster, addresses the challenge of accurately detecting motorcyclists driving while intoxicated (DWI). The research was motivated by high fatality rates among motorcyclists, with NHTSA estimating that 52% of motorcycle driver fatalities involve alcohol. Existing detection methods were insufficient, and law enforcement opinions varied widely on whether impaired riding behaviors could be reliably identified. The study aimed to develop a standardized set of behavioral cues and training materials to assist patrol officers in identifying DWI motorcyclists. The research employed a multi-phase methodology involving over 2,000 law enforcement personnel across the United States. Phase I combined three data sources: interviews with more than 40 subject matter experts (including experienced patrol officers and civilian motorcycle experts), an archival review of nearly 1,000 motorcycle DWI arrest reports, and preliminary field observations. Phase II involved a large-scale field study across 50 law enforcement sites in 11 states, collecting data on all motorcycle stops to calculate the probability of DWI associated with specific behaviors. Finally, a validation study tested preliminary detection guides and training materials during the 1991 riding season to assess their impact on officer detection abilities. The study identified 14 behavioral cues that best discriminate between impaired and unimpaired motorcycle operation. These cues were categorized by their predictive value. "Excellent Predictors," defined as having a 50% or greater probability of DWI, included drifting during turns or curves, trouble with dismounting, trouble with balance at a stop, turning problems, inattentiveness to surroundings, and weaving. "Good Predictors," with DWI probabilities between 30% and 49%, included erratic movements while going straight, operating without lights at night, recklessness, following too closely, running stop lights or signs, evasion, and traveling the wrong way. The validation study found that using the detection guide and associated training materials substantially improved officers' ability to detect impaired motorcyclists, particularly regarding cues dependent on balance and vigilance skills. The significance of this research lies in the development of the first standardized Motorcycle DWI Detection Guide, accompanied by a booklet and a 12-minute training video. By providing law enforcement with evidence-based behavioral indicators, the study offered a practical tool to enhance the enforcement of DWI laws for motorcyclists. The findings challenged the notion that DWI motorcyclists are undetectable, demonstrating that specific balance and vigilance deficits manifest in observable riding behaviors. This work provided a foundation for improved training and enforcement strategies aimed at reducing alcohol-related motorcycle fatalities.

Key finding

Use of the detection guide and training materials substantially improved the abilities of law enforcement officers to detect impaired motorcyclists, especially on the cues dependent on balance and vigilance skills.

Methodology

field_study

Sample size: 50

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• motorcycle conspicuity
• dui enforcement
• motorcyclist skill