Book Description

This report provides a comprehensive review of the literature on a high-risk group of drinking drivers: driving while impaired (DWI) repeat offenders. It first defines the DWI problem and assess its magnitude in Canada, then reviews the characteristics of DWI repeat offenders, including their drinking patterns and problems, demographic characteristics, and driving-related problems. The remainder of the report examines what can be done about DWI repeat offenders. Chapter 4 describes a model of impaired driving that identifies the stages of the behaviour and the opportunities for intervention. It then outlines the different perspectives and their approaches for dealing with the problem. The next three chapters review how some of those approaches might be used with the DWI repeat offender at the following stages of intervention: prevention, identification and apprehension, and sanctions (driver- or vehicle-based), assessment, and rehabilitation. The final chapter discusses program and policy options for dealing with DWI repeat offenders efficiently and effectively, and how such measures could be integrated to form a comprehensive countermeasure strategy. The appendix provides an overview of the legislation governing impaired driving offences in Canada.