DWI Arrestees: Demography, traffic, accidents, and recidivism

Demography, traffic accidents, and recidivism were described in 382 driving while impaired arrestees, aged 18-20 <n=80), 21 - 24 (n=138), and 25-29 (n=164), who entered a driver education program between September, 1984 and December, 1985 . Self-reported data indicated the subjects were predominately male (85%), Caucasian (90%), single (45%), and blue-collar workers (41%). Arrestees, aged 18-20, earn less than $5,000 (26.25%); aged 21-24, $10,000 to $14,999 ( 2 8 .99%); and, aged 25-29, $20,000 or more (23.17%). Findings indicated 36 subjects, aged 18-20, were involved in an alcohol related traffic accident within the last 3 years as compared with 51 subjects, aged 21-24, and 54 subjects, aged 25-29. Results of chi square (Q <.05) were insufficient to demonstrate an association between age and alcohol related traffic accidents. One year recidivism was examined in 36 subjects who attended the program September through November, 1984. No subject was listed in the adult probation files for committing a second offense.