The Dutch "Driving While Intoxicated" (DWI) prevention programme is presented, which is based on conditions of effective public information and education. The programme used Kok's model of behaviour change, which is based on the concepts of Fishbein and Ajzen. Kok's model gives a central role to the individual, and integrates various conditions of effective public information. The DWI programme aims to enhance knowledge, improve or maintain positive attitudes, and prevent DWI behaviour. It is given in five or six 15-20min lessons. Its topics include: alcohol and other drugs, legal aspects of DWI, and methods of self-control of behaviour. An active learning approach is used, with a priority on group participation in discussions. A moralistic approach is strictly excluded, and the needs, problems, and social standards of the target group are addressed. 100 driving schools participated, of which 46 implemented the experimental curriculum. Pre-test, post-test, and one-year follow-up questionnaires were used. It was found that participation in a DWI programme leads to improved knowledge about DWI, but no effects on actual DWI behaviour were found. Five reasons are given for why there were not larger effects on attitude, behaviour intention, and behaviour.
Abstract