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Cover
Page
Technical
Report
Technical
Summary
Acknowledgements
List
of Tables
Introduction
Study
Sites
Observational
Study
Focus
Group Research
Conclusions
References
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Subjects were sought who had recently experienced a license suspension
as a result of their first DWI/OWI conviction and who had no other DWI/OWI
convictions in the prior ten years. Although persons who received an
occupational license were excluded from the observational study in Milwaukee,
they were not excluded from the focus group discussions. None of the
subjects observed in either site was a participant in the focus groups.
As noted previously, in both Wisconsin and New Jersey, first-time offenders
must undergo an assessment for alcohol dependency and complete an alcohol/drug
education program. At each site, focus group participants were recruited
by means of a one-page flyer that was
distributed by instructors in these programs. The flyer explained that
the focus groups were being conducted as part of a NHTSA-sponsored evaluation
of penalties for DWI/OWI, offered prospective participants the opportunity
to express their opinions about sanctions for alcohol-impaired driving,
explained that participation was voluntary and that information disclosed
would be kept strictly confidential, and promised a financial incentive
for participating. The participant incentive was $100 in Milwaukee and
$200 in New Jersey. Lower incentives were offered initially in both
sites but were increased to stimulate sufficient interest.
As described in the flyer, anyone interested in participating was asked
to call an "800" number to enroll. During the telephone call,
the focus group facilitator screened persons to ensure that they met
the eligibility criteria. A follow-up letter of confirmation was sent
to each participant, and participants also received a reminder by telephone
immediately before the groups were held.
In Milwaukee, the flyer was distributed with the cooperation of the
Milwaukee Area Technical College, which contracts with the state to
provide the intoxicated driver education program in the Milwaukee area.
Participants were recruited through "Group Dynamics" courses,
which are attended by first-time offenders who have been determined
to be "irresponsible drinkers" as a result of their alcohol/drug
assessment. A total of sixteen persons participated in three focus groups
held in Milwaukee in June 2001 at the Milwaukee Area Technical College.
In New Jersey, distribution of the flyers was facilitated by Intoxicated
Driver Resource Centers (IDRCs) in Bergen County and in adjacent Passaic
County. The flyers were distributed to participants in alcohol and highway
safety education programs, which first-time offenders are required to
complete. Twenty-one persons participated in three focus groups held
in August 2001 at a hotel located in Bergen County, close to the Passaic
County line.
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