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Christopher M. Ledingham, MPH, CHES and Karin Corriere, BS. Department of Health and Kinesiology, Division of Health and Safety, Texas A&M University, 4243 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, 9792190768, cmledingham@hlkn.tamu.edu
Completion of an education program is required of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) probationers in the State of Texas. The purpose of this study was to assess the behaviors that preceded their arrest and the self-reported remedial action for drinking behavior after they participated in DWI classes. The sample comprised of 199 DWI offenders’ who participated in 12 DWI classes (English) over a two year period in Brazos County, Texas. This study is a qualitative assessment of self reported behavioral descriptions of these offenders describing the events prior to their arrest (12 hours), and their proposed remedial action based on the lessons learned after the completion of an education course. An analysis of their behavioral descriptions prior to the formal DWI education classes (BDI) indicated a high percentage of the offenders focused on two themes that led to their arrest: (1) they were drinking with friends, and (2) the drinking occurred mostly in a club or bar setting. Themes that emerged on the post-education remedial descriptions (BDII) indicated that the top three remedial actions by the offenders were that they would no longer drink and drive (43%), will use a designated driver (33%), and will limit their alcohol intake (23%). Comparison of the themes of the BDI and BDII will be presented and implications for DWI education programs and policy makers in the State of Texas will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.