NCJ Number
74887
Date Published
1978
Length
41 pages
Annotation
The driver retraining programs associated with Rhode Island's program of administrative adjudication of traffice offenses are evaluated.
Abstract
Two types of driver retraining programs were conducted for motorists referred for retraining by hearing commissioners after having had charges sustained. They consisted of a general education session consisting of a single 2-hour didactic presentation on proper driving and road safety and a defensive driving course developed by the National Safety Council. During 2 years of operation, 84 sessions of the general education program were held; a total of 3,046 persons attended, and 2,915 graduated. A total of 58 cycles of the defensive driving course were conducted for 1,827 persons, with 1,752 graduating. Evaluation of the courses showed that both programs produced measurable increses in knowledge of the participants; however, examination of the subsequent driving records of students compared to control groups did not yield any evidence that the courses were effective in reducing traffic violations and accidents. Tabular data and a list of 15 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)