Victim impact panels : an examination of the effectiveness of this program on lowering recidivism and changing offenders' attitudes about drinking and driving.

This study examines 103 Victim Impact Panel attendees and 75 comparison group respondents who had been convicted of drunk driving offences. A pre- and post-test measure developed by the author was administrated to both groups to determine offender attitudes about drinking and driving. Results indicate a lower recidivism rate in VIP participants as opposed to comparison group subjects and those receiving other sanctions as cited in the literature. 2-way ANOVA and paired T-test analysis revealed significant changes in attitudes regarding the VIP attendees intention to continue drinking and driving, the consideration of consequences and whether or not DUI/DWI should be considered a crime and recidivism. These results did not hold true for the comparison group. There were no demonstrated significant differences in attitudes toward the fairness of DUI/DWI laws, the accidental nature of drunk driving offences or the advisability of DWI education as an alternative sanction in either group. (Author/publisher)