The traffic safety impact of alcohol abuse treatment as an alternative to mandated licensing controls

Abstract

Driving records were compared for drivers who were convicted of multiple driving-under-the-influence offenses (DUI). Two groups of drivers were identified in four demonstration counties which offered a 12-month alcohol abuse treatment program as an alternative to mandatory license suspension or revocation. The first group participated in the program and thereby retained their driving privilege while the second did not participate thus receiving the mandated licensing action. Since legislation prevented drivers from being randomly assigned to treatment or licensing action, a third group of suspended or revoked drivers were identified in four systematically selected comparison counties. Analysis of covariance and survival rate analytical procedures were employed to analyze the driving records 12 months subsequent to their entrance into the alcohol abuse treatment program or receipt of the licensing action. In general it was found that the multiple offender alcohol abuse treatment program, during the period of treatment, demonstrated no advantages over mandatory licensing controls.