Driver record evaluation of a drinking driver rehabilitation program

A Nassau County alcohol safety action Project conducted a driver rehabilitation program for convicted DWI offenders from February, 1971, until June, 1973. During this time, 2805 drivers were invited to attend the rehabilitation program (experimental group) and 2660 drivers were not invited (control group). Assignment to invited in invited groups was random. The driving records for each driver, invited and not invited, were monitored through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The result showed no difference between invited and not invited groups in terms of number of DWI recidivists. The invited group had more drivers involved in reported motor vehicle accidents than the invited group. This result was apparently due to the fact that invited drivers who participated in the program were not subject to license suspension or revocation, and may have experienced greater driving exposure. No difference was found between the groups in terms of nonalcohol conviction involvement.