Solutions to reduce DWI Crashes in Louisiana

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Solutions to reduce DWI Crashes in Louisiana

• Samantha-Hope AtkinsHopeNetworks.org

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Hope for DWI Core Problems

• Louisiana can dramatically reduce the number of
  individuals driving while intoxicated, crashes,
  and fatalities by
• Comprehensive approach to DWI sentencing
• Blend of both Criminal Sanctions and Early
  Identification and Treatment for Alcohol Abuse.
• State Standards must mandate
• Clinically sound medical screening, treatment,
  and recovery support systems for those who are
  abusing or addicted to alcohol.

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Need for Reform DWI Sentencing

• Take proactive comprehensive approach to
  Louisianas Alcohol Problem.
• Sanctions are in place- but no standard on
  treatment.
• Identify those who are at risk by promoting
  alcohol assessment and treatment.
• 1st offense is where a screening/intervention may
  save lives by offering problem drinkers a
  solution.
• Early offering of treatment-ongoing recovery
  support.
• Proven to change behavior and reduce DWI offenses.

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A Coordinated Effort Is what Works

• Louisiana
• legislation has been enacted in a piecemeal
  fashion
• Forrest Fire Management.
• This lack of coordination in drunk driving laws
  and programs
• compounded by incomplete record keeping is no
  help to the alcoholic/problem drinker and repeat
  offender.
• Low-risk offenders, being caught once, receiving
  fines and penalties and attending alcohol
  education are sufficient to dissuade them from
  future drunk driving.
• Same is not true of repeat offenders who know how
  to work our flawed system to avoid
  identification, punishment and treatment.

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Problem has not changed despite criminal
sanctions.

• The National Highway Traffic Safety
  Administration (NHTSA) preliminary Fatality
  Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data estimates
  17,401 deaths in 2003 due to crashes involving
  alcohol - - about 18 less than in 2002- 40
  percent of all traffic fatalities.   
• There are more than half a million people injured
  in alcohol-related traffic crashes each year. 

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Current Treatment Needs -lead to DWI arrests.

• Untreated alcohol problems are ongoing issue in
  need of funding and support.
• Less than 8 availability for those who seek
  substance abuse treatment.
• 35,000 request but are denied services for
  treatment.
• 1200-1600 people on waiting lists across the
  state.
• 32 Medical Detox Beds for more than 4 million
  residents

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Criminal Penalties only to date.

• LA MADD has advocated for tougher criminal
  sanctions on DWI offenders and against
  appropriate assessment or treatment to stop the
  cycle of repeat offenses.
• Madd National has policy supportingAssessment
  and treatment need to be mandatory components of
  all DWI sentences to make sure that offenders get
  treatment when necessary. If a DWI offender has a
  problem with alcohol, that person is less likey
  to endanger themselves and others again if the
  problem with alcohol is treated

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Solution Screen, Treat, Monitor

• All DWI Convictions should
• Mandate State Credentialed Substance Abuse
  Professional Assess individuals for Alcohol
  abuse/Addiction.
• Provide Judge with report of clinical findings
• Mandate 2nd Offense mandatory Treatment.
• As currently mandated in 3rd and 4th offense
• Mandate 3rd offense to long term treatment in
  monitored and secure facility to protect the
  offender and the public.
• If system is reformed, offender has 2 real
  opportunities to get help with motivation of
  court prior to 3rd offense.

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Treatment Mandates work.

• 2001 Rep. Odinet passed mandated substance abuse
  treatment for 3rd and 4th offenders.
• Recidivism rates reduced
• 68 remain sober/in treatment 2yrs later.

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Success-
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Recommendations

• Supporting only criminal sanctions, is not an
  effective solution to DWI and related tragic
  crashes and fatalities.
• 1st Offense Screening
• 2nd Offense Treatment
• 3rd Offense 12 month, incarcerated treatment.
• 4th and other offences long term incarceration
  and concurrent treatment.

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NHTSA Directives on Treatment

• Many first-time impaired driving offenders and
  most repeat offenders have substantial
  substance abuse problems that affect their entire
  lives, not just their driving. However, such
  problems have neither prevented nor deterred
  these offenders from impaired driving.
• Diagnosis and Screening A systematic program
  should be in place to evaluate persons who have
  been convicted of an impaired driving offense to
  determine if they have an alcohol or drug abuse
  problem.
• This evaluation should be
• Required by law
• Conducted by qualified personnel prior to
  sentencing and
• Used to decide whether a substance abuse
  treatment program should be part of the sanctions
  imposed.