Alcohol Program: An Educational Program for Drunken Drivers in Prison (From Studies on the Dutch Prison System, P 151-157, 1987, M J M Brand-Koolen, ed. -- See NCJ-110443)

• NCJ Number: 110454
• Author(s): R Bovens
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: Kugler Publications
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This study assesses the impact on participant knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of a Dutch voluntary educational program for incarcerated drunk drivers (4 weeks or less).

Abstract

The incarceration of such offenders in a single institution facilitates the establishment of a short-term educational program for them. The program is taught by volunteers from various disciplines regularly faced with certain aspects of alcohol-impaired driving. The program discusses the nature and impact of alcohol abuse, particularly on driving, and provides information on community alcoholism treatment services. No attempt is made in this institutional program to treat the underlying causes of alcohol abuse. Program participants were compared with a control group from a similar prison. The knowledge of both groups about the effects of alcohol was measured through a written questionnaire. Attitudes and behavior were measured by interviews. Postrelease behavior was examined 1 year after release. Results indicate the program has positively impacted participants' knowledge, attitudes, and subsequent driving behaviors. The program should be continued if not expanded. 1 table, 5 references.