Preventing alcohol-related convictions: the effect of a novel curriculum for first-time offenders on DUI recidivism

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether DUI offenders can better avoid future drinking and driving by controlling their vehicle usage rather than by controlling their drinking. METHODS: Using a randomized experimental post-test only design, 9,571 first-time DUI offenders were randomly assigned to receive one of two 12-hour educational programs: a traditional DUI curriculum or the PARC (Preventing Alcohol-Related Convictions) curriculum, which uses a novel theoretical approach to preventing DUI recidivism. Whereas traditional programs focus on participants controlling their drinking to avoid future drinking and driving, the PARC curriculum focuses on participants controlling their driving. Instead of trying to control alcohol consumption after driving to a drinking venue (previously found to be a flawed strategy), PARC teaches students to make a decision before leaving home not to drive to a drinking event, thus greatly limiting the possibility of drinking and driving. Driving records were obtained from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles using driver's license numbers to assess DUI recidivism rates among the students in the PARC and Traditional curricula for the first year following program participation and again at 2 years post-intervention. RESULTS: Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that offenders receiving the PARC curriculum exhibited significantly lower 1-year and 2-year recidivism rates than those receiving the Traditional curriculum. The effect was consistent across two different measures of recidivism, and across gender, race, ethnicity, and location. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the PARC educational approach may be more effective than the traditional approach in reducing DUI recidivism.     

Studies of Huey Sulfation Plates at High Ambient SO2 Concentrations

One of the more common and useful methods of testing for SO₂ in the atmosphere is to use the Huey sulfation plate.¹ It has a layer of PbÕ2 particles suspended in an inert substrate which reacts with ambient SO₂ gas to form PbSÛ4. The amount of PbSÛ4 can be determined by gravimetric, spec-trophotometric, or turbidimetric methods. The amount of atmospheric SO₂ is estimated by assuming a linear correlation between it and measured PbS0₄ on the plate.     

The effect of olestra on the absorption,excretion and storage of 2,2′,5,5′ tetrachlorobiphenyl; 3,3′,4,4′ tetrachlorobiphenyl; and perfluorooctanoic acid

Mice were gavaged with either ¹⁴C-labeled 2,2′5,5′ tetrachlorobiphenyl; 3,3′,4,4′ tetrachlorobiphenyl; or perfluorooctanoic acid. Absorption of these compounds was determined by assay of feces collected for 48 h after the gavage. Part of the animals received test diets containing olestra during this 48-hour period to determine its effect on absorption of the compounds. Mice that received the diet without olestra during this period were divided into groups that either continued the diet without olestra or changed to a diet containing olestra. These diets were continued for 7 days, and a second 48-hour fecal collection was made to measure the effect of olestra on enterohepatic circulation of the compounds and their metabolites. The animals were sacrificed, and blood, fat, and liver concentrations of ¹⁴C were measured. Olestra decreased the absorption of 2,2′,5,5′ tetrachlorobiphenyl. It also reduced tissue and blood concentrations of this compound. Olestra also decreased the absorption of 3,3′,4,4′ tetrachlorobiphenyl, but it did not alter enterohepatic circulation or tissue concentrations. Olestra significantly increased the excretion of perfluorooctanoic acid in the second 48-hour collection, suggesting an effect on enterohepatic circulation. It did not, however, alter tissue concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid. These data are consistent with previously observed effects of olestra on the absorption and storage of lipophilic compounds.     

Low-manpower checkpoints: can they provide effective DUI enforcement in small communities?

OBJECTIVE: Sobriety checkpoints can be effective in reducing alcohol-impaired driving. Checkpoints are underutilized, however, partially because police believe a large number of officers are required. This study evaluated the feasibility and impact of conducting small-scale checkpoints in rural communities. METHODS: Law enforcement agencies in two counties agreed to conduct weekly checkpoints for one year. Two nonadjacent counties did not undertake additional checkpoints. Evaluation included public-awareness surveys and roadside surveys (including blood alcohol concentration [BAC] measurements) of weekend nighttime drivers. RESULTS: Relative to drivers in the comparison counties, the proportion of drivers in the experimental counties with BACs >0.05% was 70% lower. Drivers surveyed at driver's license offices in the experimental counties after program implementation were more likely to report seeing or passing through a checkpoint and were more aware of publicity on driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement. CONCLUSIONS: Small rural communities can safely and effectively conduct low-staff sobriety checkpoints on a weekly basis. Such programs can be expected to result in large reductions in drivers operating at higher BACs.     

University Consortia: A Unique Approach To Environmental Education And Research

Since 1970, six University Consortia have developed in various regions of the United States. These Consortia are organizations of universities designed to facilitate and coordinate joint and cooperative action by and among the participating universities in educational, research, and public service endeavors related to environmental problems. The impressive accomplishments of Consortia to date in the areas of educational program development, development of symposia and short courses, public service, and research are reviewed, and the requirements for the continued growth and development of Consortia are discussed.