NCJ Number
101442
Editor(s)
D Foley
Date Published
1986
Length
181 pages
Annotation
With attention to the role of community cooperation in dealing with the drunk driving problem, these articles examine driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) policies, legal responses, treatment programs, and public education and other prevention efforts.
Abstract
The definition of and public reaction to drunk driving are considered in relation to the variable effects of alcohol, procedures for determining impairment, due process rights, and sanctions. A summary is provided of the Presidential Commission report on drunk driving, together with a systems analysis of the deterrence effectiveness of various countermeasures. A case study of a New York program illustrates how harsh sanctions and the stigmatization process can reduce alcohol-related accidents and increase DWI arrests and convictions. Issues in intervention approaches are also examined, including diagnosis and assessment, differential treatment, and treatment effectiveness. An educational program aimed at reducing driving accidents among adolescents is described, as are other public education and information efforts. Psychological theory and research into the information-attitude-behavior relationship provide guidelines for DWI public information programs. Finally, the usefulness of management information systems in monitoring the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for convicted drunk drivers is examined. Chapter notes and references, index, and list of contributors.