Impact of a driver intervention program on driving while intoxicated recidivism and problem drinking

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15252271985PDFResearch PaperSiegal, Harvey A.Wright State University. School of MedicineUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Office of Contracts and ProcurementUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesDrunk drivingDriver rehabilitationTraffic accidentsRecidivismPenaltiesCourtsImpact studiesDOT-HS-807-023NTIS-PB87149258DTNH-22-83-C-05150Final reportThis was a natural history study comparing the effects of a brief jail sentence, suspended sentence/fine, or a therapeutic intervention known as The Weekend Intervention Program (WIP) on drunk driving recidivism and alcohol-related crashes, Offenders assigned to each sentencing alternative were followed through drivers' records for the two-year study period beginning March 1983 and ending July 1985. A statistical adjustment for individual exposure times was included in the analyses as a covariate. The findings of the study suggested that repeat offenders receiving the therapeutic intervention had lower recidivism rates than those not receiving it. Offenders referred from general assignment courts which mandated compliance with the post-WIP treatment recommendations survived longer than offenders from the same courts not, receiving it. For the WIP group, results showed that the more severe the participants' alcohol problem, the greater their chances of recidivating. Those assessed as needing treatment had a higher recidivism rate than those seen not to be in need of further services. The findings supported the continued confidence in the WIP by those courts already using it, encouraging those judges who use it to mandate the post-WIP treatment recommendation, and the consideration of the therapeutic intervention by communities desiring to include an effective problem assessment component in their systemic DWI counter-attack capability. /Abstract from report summary page/129