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Solutions to reduce DWI Crashes in Louisiana

Solutions to reduce DWI Crashes in Louisiana. Samantha-Hope Atkins HopeNetworks.org. Hope for DWI Core Problems. Louisiana can dramatically reduce the number of individuals driving while intoxicated, crashes, and fatalities by: Comprehensive approach to DWI sentencing

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Solutions to reduce DWI Crashes in Louisiana

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  1. Solutions to reduce DWI Crashes in Louisiana Samantha-Hope AtkinsHopeNetworks.org www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  2. Hope for DWI Core Problems • Louisiana can dramatically reduce the number of individuals driving while intoxicated, crashes, and fatalities by: • Comprehensive approach to DWI sentencing • Blend of both Criminal Sanctions and Early Identification and Treatment for Alcohol Abuse. • State Standards must mandate: • Clinically sound medical screening, treatment, and recovery support systems for those who are abusing or addicted to alcohol. www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  3. Need for Reform DWI Sentencing • Take proactive comprehensive approach to Louisiana’s Alcohol Problem. • Sanctions are in place- but no standard on treatment. • Identify those who are “at risk” by promoting alcohol assessment and treatment. • 1st offense is where a screening/intervention may save lives by offering problem drinkers a solution. • Early offering of treatment-ongoing recovery support. • Proven to change behavior and reduce DWI offenses. www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  4. A Coordinated Effort Is what Works: Louisiana • legislation has been enacted in a piecemeal fashion • Forrest Fire Management. • This lack of coordination in drunk driving laws and programs – • compounded by incomplete record keeping – is no help to the alcoholic/problem drinker and repeat offender. • Low-risk offenders, being caught once, receiving fines and penalties and attending alcohol education are sufficient to dissuade them from future drunk driving. • Same is not true of repeat offenders who know how to work our flawed system to avoid identification, punishment and treatment. www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  5. Problem has not changed despite criminal sanctions. • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) preliminary Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data estimates 17,401 deaths in 2003 due to crashes involving alcohol - - about 18 less than in 2002- 40 percent of all traffic fatalities.  • There are more than half a million people injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes each year.  www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  6. Current Treatment Needs -lead to DWI arrests. • Untreated alcohol problems are ongoing issue in need of funding and support. • Less than 8% availability for those who seek substance abuse treatment. • 35,000 request but are denied services for treatment. • 1200-1600 people on waiting lists across the state. • 32 Medical Detox Beds for more than 4 million residents www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  7. Criminal Penalties only to date. • LA MADD has advocated for tougher criminal sanctions on DWI offenders and against appropriate assessment or treatment to stop the cycle of repeat offenses. • Madd National has policy supporting:Assessment and treatment need to be mandatory components of all DWI sentences to make sure that offenders get treatment when necessary. If a DWI offender has a problem with alcohol, that person is less likey to endanger themselves and others again if the problem with alcohol is treated www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  8. Solution: Screen, Treat, Monitor • All DWI Convictions should: • Mandate “State Credentialed Substance Abuse” Professional Assess individuals for Alcohol abuse/Addiction. • Provide Judge with report of clinical findings • Mandate 2nd Offense mandatory Treatment. • As currently mandated in 3rd and 4th offense • Mandate 3rd offense to long term treatment in monitored and secure facility to protect the offender and the public. • If system is reformed, offender has 2 real opportunities to get help with motivation of court prior to 3rd offense. www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  9. Treatment Mandates work…. • 2001 Rep. Odinet passed mandated substance abuse treatment for 3rd and 4th offenders. • Recidivism rates reduced • 68% remain sober/in treatment 2yrs later. www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  10. Success- www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  11. Recommendations • Supporting only criminal sanctions, is not an effective solution to DWI and related tragic crashes and fatalities. • 1st Offense Screening • 2nd Offense Treatment • 3rd Offense 12 month, incarcerated treatment. • 4th and other offences long term incarceration and concurrent treatment. www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

  12. NHTSA Directives on Treatment • Many first-time impaired driving offenders — and most repeat offenders — have substantial substance abuse problems that affect their entire lives, not just their driving. However, such problems have neither prevented nor deterred these offenders from impaired driving. • Diagnosis and ScreeningA systematic program should be in place to evaluate persons who have been convicted of an impaired driving offense to determine if they have an alcohol or drug abuse problem. • This evaluation should be: • Required by law; • Conducted by qualified personnel prior to sentencing; and • Used to decide whether a substance abuse treatment program should be part of the sanctions imposed. www.HopeNetworks.org "Working together to reduce the impact of Addiction"

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