Intervention Programmes for Convicted Drink Drivers - An Evaluation and Some Suggestions for Future Directions

• NCJ Number: 93636
• Author(s): R Bush
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 41 pages
• Corporate Author: New South Wales
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Briefing Paper number 2

Annotation

This study describes drunk-driver programs in New South Wales (Australia), considers these programs in the context of other countermeasures, measures their effectiveness by specified objectives, and offers recommendatons for improving such programs.

Abstract

The majority of New South Wales' drunk-driver programs operate at the presentence stage of the criminal justice process and most consist of an education program extending over several sessions. They cover such subjects as the pharmacological and toxic effects of alcohol, the effects of driving ability, existing Australian legislation, current legal procedures for license renewal, the social and medical costs of drunk driving, and the availablity of community services to help those with a drinking problem. A review of the literature suggests three broad objectives for drunk-driver programs: traffic safety, recidivism reduction, and health care. Studies tend to indicate that programs for convicted drunk drivers alone will not greatly affect the accident rate involving drunk drivers. Regarding recidivism reduction, methodologically sound studies do not show a significant reduction in recidivism between program participants and nonparticipants over an extended period. Regarding improved health for those convicted of drunk driving, positive results are suggested by evaluation studies, as self-reported alcohol use has been reduced for program participants. Programs may be improved by upgrading assessment prior to the application of any intervention. This can improve offender-treatment matching and can also be used to determine the suitability of renewing a persons's license. A management unit should also be formed to develop new programs and improve existing ones, and an effort should be made to shift programs from the presentence to the postsentence stage of processing. Young drunk drivers should be targeted as a high-risk group, and programs which address peer group pressure to drink should be instituted. Tables, figures, and 69 references are listed.