Dwi Repeat Offenders

A report from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation for the Office of Alcohol, Drugs & Dependency Issues, Health Canada. Includes defining the problem of DWI repeat offenders & its magnitude in Canada; characteristics of DWI repeat offenders; model of impaired driving; opportunities for intervention; perspectives on the problem from criminal justice, criminology, addictions, traffic safety, mental health, public health, & problem behavior theory; intervention through prevention, identification & apprehension, & dealing with offenders; & program & policy implications. Appendix provides laws dealing with DWI offenders in Canada.

This report provides a comprehensive review of the literature on a high-risk group of drinking drivers: driving while impaired (DWI) repeat offenders. It first defines the DWI problem and assess its magnitude in Canada, then reviews the characteristics of DWI repeat offenders, including their drinking patterns and problems, demographic characteristics, and driving-related problems. The remainder of the report examines what can be done about DWI repeat offenders. Chapter 4 describes a model of impaired driving that identifies the stages of the behaviour and the opportunities for intervention. It then outlines the different perspectives and their approaches for dealing with the problem. The next three chapters review how some of those approaches might be used with the DWI repeat offender at the following stages of intervention: prevention, identification and apprehension, and sanctions (driver- or vehicle-based), assessment, and rehabilitation. The final chapter discusses program and policy options for dealing with DWI repeat offenders efficiently and effectively, and how such measures could be integrated to form a comprehensive countermeasure strategy. The appendix provides an overview of the legislation governing impaired driving offences in Canada.

This report provides highlights of a comprehensive review of the literature on driving while impaired (DWI) repeat offenders. It identifies and summarizes the characteristics of these offenders, reviews existing countermeasures for dealing with repeat DWI offenders, and provides recommendations for dealing effectively with this high-risk group with regard to prevention, identification and apprehension, sanctions, and programs.

Describes and evaluates the effectiveness of a Day Reporting Center (DRC) in reducing the DWI recidivism of repeat DWI offenders. Also examines the effect of the DRC program in reducing the cost of post-conviction sanctioning operations, and in relieving the pressures on jail facilities in carrying out the court-imposed sanctions.

Discusses the Surgeon General's Workshop on Drunk Driving; research on and prevention of drinking and driving as well as alcohol-drug interactions; use of deterrent laws, treatment versus deterrence, and impersonal prevention. Charts, graphs, black and white photos.