Assessment of the Intervention Stepwise Driving for Individuals with Drink and Drug Driving Offences

Stepwise driving represents the first instance of targeting both drink and drug driving offences in a single intervention, within the probation service of England and Wales. This research gathered self-reported perceptions of practitioners and people on probation, to examine the benefits and limitations of Stepwise Driving and evaluate the initial impacts the intervention had on them. Seventeen interviews were conducted through video- and audio-conferencing, transcribed, and analysed through thematic analysis. Interviewees expressed that the intervention was perceived as a valuable and encouraging eye-opener. However, practitioners and people on probation were concerned that potential issues such as stigmas and judgment would occur, particularly between individuals who drove under the influence of alcohol and those who drove under the influence of other drugs. Thus, there is a potential for optimization. Since the intervention is for individuals with a low risk of reoffending, people outside this category may not receive efficient help tailored to their needs. Furthermore, the content and materials seem in need of adjustments in form of additional information and less stereotypical video-clips. The intervention was overall perceived as efficient in educating individuals who were drink driving, drug driving, or both, but due to its novelty further research is necessary.