Abstract
AbstractPurposeThis study was one part of the research activities of work package 5 “Rehabilitation” of the integrated EU DRUID project (6th Framework Programme). It aimed at gathering information about the cognitive–affective and behavioural processes that participants undergo while attending driver rehabilitation (DR) programmes. The primary objective was to analyse the outcomes of group interventions for alcohol offenders in order to assess any cognitive, motivational and behavioural modifications within individual participants and to identify the relevant variables which initiate and support this change process.MethodsThe general methodological concept of the study was a prospective cohort design of participants of group-based European driver rehabilitation programmes, carried out via a participant feedback questionnaire survey. In totalN = 7.339 DUI offenders in 9 European countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands and Poland) participated in the survey.ResultsThe results indicate that DR participants feel such programmes provide strong support for their cognitive and behavioural change processes. The findings suggest that participants feel encouraged to establish new behavioural goals and the commitment to stick to them. At the same time, the participants’ ratings emphasise the important role of the course leader in encouraging such changes.ConclusionsThe findings of this explorative questionnaire survey are promising. Although it is impossible to draw any conclusions regarding long-term behavioural changes or effects on recidivism rates, participants of DR courses express positive feedback on completion of the programme. The positive outcomes of the study can motivate decision-makers to launch DR measures and to regard them as an essential part of a comprehensive countermeasure system against DUI.
Highlights
Driving under the influence of psychoactive substances remains one of the main causes of serious and fatal traffic injuries in the EU [15]
Thereby, the term driver rehabilitation comprises specific secondary interpersonal prevention measures that focus on attitudinal and behavioural changes of drivers under influence of alcohol (DUI)/drivers under influence of illicit drugs (DUID) offenders. It includes post-licensing measures for different driving-under-influence offender groups, and covers measures for driving license applicants with an official record related to alcohol and/or illicit drug use
Illicit drug driving offenders and individuals whose fitness to drive is in question due to an alcohol or illicit drug history, are further target groups
Summary
Driving under the influence of psychoactive substances remains one of the main causes of serious and fatal traffic injuries in the EU [15]. Thereby, the term driver rehabilitation comprises specific secondary interpersonal prevention measures that focus on attitudinal and behavioural changes of DUI/DUID offenders. It includes post-licensing measures for different driving-under-influence offender groups, and covers measures for driving license applicants with an official record related to alcohol and/or illicit drug use. Illicit drug driving offenders and individuals whose fitness to drive is in question due to an alcohol or illicit drug history, are further target groups. The primary aim of driver rehabilitation is to avoid new traffic offences under the influence of alcohol and/or illicit drugs, and/or to re-integrate the individual into the traffic system without imposing a risk on other traffic participants [6]
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