Citation

Maxwell J, Freeman J, Davey JD. Transp. Res. Circular 2009; (E-C132): 47-58.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

To increase the effectiveness of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) education programs, more information is needed on the characteristics of minors arrested for driving under the influence. Between September 1, 2002, and July 1, 2006, 10,532 young Texans under age 21 were arrested for a DUI; they composed 7.5% of all DUI arrests in Texas during that time period. Of this young population, 5 were age 15, 25 were age 16, 821 were age 17, 2,249 were age 18, 3,362 were age 19, and 4,071 were age 20. Some 2.5% were black males, 0.5% were black females, 69% were white males, and 15% were white females (Maxwell 2008). The ethnicity was not reported, which is a major problem, given 36% of the Texas population in 2006 was Hispanic (American Community Survey 2006). The driving record also does not provide information on the substances found in the driver. Further, no demographic information on students mandated to DUI education programs in Texas is collected. Because of the lack of available data, this article used data on young DUI offenders who entered alcohol and drug treatment programs to begin to learn more about the characteristics of impaired drivers in Texas who were under the age of 21. The study focuses on two research questions: Have changes in demographic and consumption patterns occurred over time? What are the risk factors that influence treatment entrance, completion, and abstinence 90 days after discharge from treatment?