1. Drink Drivers Rehabilitation Systems Birgit Bukasa

2. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 Actual deterrence strategy for drink driving offenders European legislations to combat drinking and driving are strongly based on deterrence theory. All countries have implemented sanctions for drink driving offences – driving ban, withdrawal of driving licence, fines, imprisonment … Deterrence theory supposes that drivers will refrain from drink driving due to fear of these consequences.

3. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 Deterrence effectiveness DRUID empirical studies analyses show: Licence related sanctions (driving ban/licence withdrawal) are more effective than fines or prison. Minimum 3 months of driving ban/withdrawal is needed to create significant impact - from 12 months upward no additional benefits for traffic safety are observed. In case of longer withdrawal periods, driving while suspended increases significantly - mainly to carry out everyday obligations (work, driving to work or driving kids to school).

4. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 Deterrence effectiveness Further results of DRUID empirical studies analyses: Combination of shorter driving ban/withdrawal + treatment/rehabilitation shows better results than longer withdrawal periods alone. Combination of licence restrictions + treatment gives the best results regarding recidivism rate, driving ban is in the second place while a licence restriction without additional measures has the worst results. “Close monitoring” is important (eg biological marker, alcohol interlocks, medical controls).

5. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 Actual situation in Europe Results from DRUID surveys: In at least 10 European countries licence withdrawal period is above 12 months, in 9 countries above 24 month depending on the BAC level (no accident). In 73% of countries a reduction of the withdrawal period is not possible. In 67% of countries conditional withdrawal is not possible. In 63% of countries conditional re-granting of driving licence is not practiced. In about 12 countries driver rehabilitation measures are applied.

6. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 Monitoring Integrated approach for drink driving offenders in future Deterrence Rehabili- tation

7. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 Rehabilitation of drink drivers DRUID results reveal: At least two main groups, namely non-addicts and addicts have to be distinguished. Their risk of relapse differs significantly due to the severity of the underlying problem behaviour (alcohol). At least two levels of intervention have to be provided:  Less intense rehabilitative measures for non-dependent offenders (specific target group oriented).  Intense treatment for dependent offenders (established addiction therapy in the health sector).

8. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 European standard group intervention – principal approach Combination of psychological/therapeutic intervention with informative/educative and group dynamic elements. Topics are not restricted to traffic issues, but extend to private, lifestyle or health issues. Active participation of the offenders is stimulated and supported by highly professional course leaders mostly with (traffic-) psychological and/or therapeutic background.

9. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 DRUID Feedback study - evaluation of courses by alcohol offenders European sample (n = 7.339 in total, 9 countries)

10. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 DRUID Feedback study – evaluation of course effects by alcohol offenders 1 = agree completely …...... 4 = disagree completely European sample (n = 7.339 in total, 9 countries)

11. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 European standard group intervention - effectiveness DRUID empirical studies analyses reveal: The European standard group intervention programmes show good scientific evidence regarding reduction of recidivism. Average reduction rate of recidivism of 45.5% (reduction rates vary from 15.4% up to 71.9%) was observed.

12. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 Systems for drink drivers in future Recommendations Driver rehabilitation for drink-driving offenders should be part of a comprehensive countermeasure system in Europe. An integrated approach can better serve the main goals: Deterrence – Rehabilitation – Monitoring  restoring mobility as early as possible  without endangering traffic safety and  keeping the offenders socially integrated.

13. European Road Safety Day 13 th of October, 2010 Drink drivers rehabilitation systems Thank you for your attention ! birgit.bukasa@kfv.at www.druid-project.eu