Characteristics of people who repeatedly drive while disqualified

Abstract

Little is known of the psychological make-up of disqualified drivers. To establish base rate data, a purpose designed demographic questionnaire was administered to 72 participants, comprising 31 prison inmates, and 41 offenders under the direct supervision of Community Corrections. The questionnaire included sections on parental histories, childhood relationships, adult histories, driving related questions, and drug and alcohol measures. The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) was used as a measure of alcohol problems. A separate Drug Use Questionnaire was designed to screen for drug problems. In addition, a section was included inviting participants to write their own accounts of the events leading to their latest driving convictions. A broad profile of a prototypical offender emerged. Most salient features include; this person is aged between 21 and 30 years old with an education to fourth form level or below. The person may be one of the 30% who had reading problems, and may have been unemployed for up to five years. Income is probably below $20,000 and derived from a benefit. He may have a high measure of alcohol dependence, although he perceives himself as not having alcohol problems. Drug dependence measures were unclear. The prototypical offender was first convicted of driving offences between the ages of 15 and 22, although he may be one of the 15% convicted of traffic offences before the age of 15, the legal age for acquiring a drivers license. Main reasons given for disqualified driving were for leisure or to seek for jobs. Overall, most DWD offenders indicated that they drove less often as disqualified drivers than as fully qualified drivers. Other researchers (Jones, 1987; Williams, Hagen, & McConnell, 1984) report that such offenders in general drive less often, and more safely, than when fully licensed. There are several implications for driving rehabilitation programmes. Most offenders are of low education and reading ability. It is recommended that programme design utilise visual and spatial skills as opposed to written and verbal skills. In addition, an alcohol rehabilitation component may be necessary for many. Methodological weaknesses were discussed, along with suggestions for future research.