In 2002, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a demonstration project named the Model Impaired Driving Records Information System (MIDRIS) to document how States could further improve and expand existing data systems. In addition to funding, NHTSA provided ongoing support and guidance on the components of MIDRIS, and recommended implementation steps. In 1997, NHTSA published Driving While Intoxicated Tracking Systems (DOT 808 520) to focus attention on impaired driving data and the benefits a comprehensive data tracking system could provide to States and localities working to prevent the problem. Since that time most States implemented some components of the system, but few connected the dots and linked critical data elements from three key stake holders — law enforcement, State driver’s licensing agencies, and the courts. Four States were selected for the demonstration, Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Each of the pilot States had made progress on a MIDRIS prior to their selection and used the NHTSA support to make enhancements and improvements. This report documents the experience of the four States and highlights the best practices achieved through NHTSA's support. The report also provides examples of how these States made system-wide improvements in areas that until recently seemed too costly or complicated to implement. (Author/publisher)
Abstract