Public information and education sections of the report of the presidential commission on drunk driving: A critique and a discussion of research implications

Abstract

This is a critique of the Report of the Presidential Commission on Drunk Driving, with special attention to those sections dealing with public information and education. Emphasis is given to the role of research in public action against drinking and driving. The question of deterrence vis à vis education and rehabilitation is examined. School-based programs, beginning in the early years, are viewed as promising preventive measures, along with public information programs that target high-risk groups and are combined with grass-root community support and intervention. Criteria are studied for formative evaluation of school-based programs, and recommendations are made for research to combat drunk driving in both school-based and public information programs.