This paper discusses new Austrian measures to reduce driving under the influence of drink, including new training courses to rehabilitate drunk drivers. New Alkomat test equipment was given to the police, enabling a test equivalent to blood analysis. A 0.1% alcohol level was fixed for novice drivers, and an attempt is being made to reduce the common alcohol limit to 0.5%. An evaluation study of drivers imprisoned for drunken driving showed that a psychological driver improvement course could reduce their recidivism rate by about 50%. As a result, the Austrian Road Safety Board now offers an 18-hour course, with six sessions led by a specially trained traffic psychologist. There is an official psychological training programme, mainly oriented to behaviour and cognitive therapy, and other course models are derived from nondirective dialogue therapy and individual psychology. For novice drivers, special courses are to be provided. The training should be in groups of six to ten participants, with an opening talk and five sessions. The course should have only one session per day and be completed in four to six weeks, and be led by a psychologist. Several possible themes, to be used in the courses, are listed.
Samenvatting