Evaluation of the Victorian Safe Driving Program (SDP) for Hoon Drivers

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether the Safe Driving Program (SDP), a behaviour change program ordered by the courts operating in Victoria, Australia, was successful in reducing the offending and crashes by hoon drivers. A sample of 3,324 hoon drivers who completed the SDP were compared with 1,063 hoon drivers who were ordered to complete the program but failed to do so. These two groups were also compared with a third group consisting of 30,678 hoon drivers who, for various reasons, had not been ordered to complete the SDP. Longitudinal group comparisons were made regarding overall, hoon and serious offending, as well as the number of crashes, fatalities and serious injuries and the proportion of offenders receiving bans and vehicle impoundments. Generalised Estimating Equations were used for this purpose, providing estimates of group differences. It was found that statistically significant benefits were obtained through the placement of SDP orders. However, differences between the offenders that completed their SDP order and those that failed to complete their SDP order were not always as expected. Reasons for this are explained and implications for the program, policies and penalties are discussed. No changes are recommended for current impoundment and SDP arrangements.