An Evaluation of a Host Responsibility Program

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15252731987PDFResearch PaperMcKnight, A. JamesNational Public Services Research Institute (U.S.)United States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesDrunk drivingEducation and trainingTraffic safetyDOT-HS-807-380NTIS-PB89196364DTNH22-84-C-07170Farina, Alfred J.; Vegega, MariaFinal reportResearch shows that the homes of relatives and friends are second only to public bars and restaurants as sources of alcohol for impaired drivers. An instructional program was developed to encourage and assist hosts in more responsible service of alcohol. The program requires a little over an hour and includes (1) a video presentation describing the magnitude of the drinking-driving problem and offering procedures for effective intervention in the drinking and driving of guests, (2) a discussion of the information provided-by the video presentation, and (3) role-playing exercises in which participants practice intervening in the drinking and driving of guests. The Host Responsibility program was evaluated through pre-post administration of knowledge, attitude, and behavior measures to 271 hosts participating in the program. The post-program knowledge and attitude measures were administered immediately prior to completion of the program, while the behavior measure was administered two months following completion of the program. Small but significant improvements in knowledge, attitude, and self-reported behavior were found following completion of the program. Favorable changes in behavior largely involved alcohol service and party-giving practices, and did not include procedures for dealing with intoxicated guests. /Abstract from report summary page/129