I read a study recently by Richard P. Crompton and David Shinar about the impact that Victim Impact Panels have on DUI recidivism.
Acccording to the study, to be more effective the Victim Impact Panels should be more focused. It is important to match the speakers to the audience. For example, if you have a teenage audience you should have a speaker that can relate to the teenage mindset. A teenager is more likely to be influenced by an exposure to an incident involving a teenager. Whereas, an older experienced driver may likely to be influenced by an incident involving someone of a similar age.
Also, it is more effective if it is a reocurring exprerience. According to the study, “DUI offenders who are apprehended probably engage in this behavior fairly often, to the point where it can be defined as a habit. To counter a habit, a recurring counter-conditioning is necessary.”
In summary, a Victim Impact Panel should focus on a target audience so that the offenders can relate to stories and should be a reocurring event to have more of an impact.
If you need to attend a Victim Impact Panel, our next program is this Saturday, January 18th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. We work hard here at North Buckhead Driving and DUI School to make our panels engaging and effective. Call us at 678-510-2099 to reserve a seat or sign up on-line at www.northbuckheaddrivingandduischool.com.