The effectiveness of a treatment program for the alcohol-involved driver

The Don't-Drink-and Drive Program (3-D) is a classroom and behind-the-wheel, 3-day curriculum designed for court-referred drinking drivers, mostly first offenders. The curriculum is not an abstinence program but designed for the so-called social drinker, most of whom will in all probability continue to drink. The 1-year driving record of 876 3-D graduates was compared with 802 drivers exposed only to the usual court procedures of probation and fine. It was found that the "no-treatment"groups had 78% more alcohol-related violations, 23% more moving violations, 40% more suspensions of licence, and 34% more accidents. The importance of quasi-experimental designs in accident research is discussed.