Evaluation of a Behavioral Intervention To Reduce DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Among Adolescent Drivers

• NCJ Number: 116882
• Journal: Alcohol, Drugs and Driving Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1989) Pages: 61-72
• Author(s): J A Farrow
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report presents the methodology and results of an evaluation of a drunk-driving prevention module and two 3-hour, school-based reinforcement sessions with a group of adolescent pre-drivers.

Abstract

A total of 342 adolescent pre-drivers (mean age of 15.9 years) were exposed to a new drunk-driving prevention module (10 hours) in the traffic safety education classes, and the concepts and skills were reinforced (3 hours) at 6 and 12 months in the classroom. The curriculum focused on risk identification and skill instruction to avoid situations leading to drunk driving. A control group (150) was assessed prior to the drivers training class and at 12 months. A sub-group of 'high-risk' persons was identified initially and was involved in an intensive out-of-school summer conference to deal with the factors associated with their high-risk status. Results of analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal data are presented for all subjects over a 12-month study period. Experimental subjects and controls were matched on demographic and family characteristics, although experimental subjects smoked more cigarettes and had somewhat more experience with adults and siblings who drink and drive; they also drank more beer than control subjects. Self-reported behavior showed expected rises in some target behaviors (traffic citations, driving intoxicated, increased driving hours, etc.) compared to controls who endorsed these behaviors less often. There were significant improvements in target behaviors among high-risk adolescents attending the intensive summer conference compared to those high-risk subjects who were invited but did not attend. The results of this program evaluation are discussed in terms of the efficacy of behavioral interventions to reduce adolescent risky driving/drunk driving and problems related to implementing and evaluating such programs. 8 tables, 22 references. (Author abstract modified)