This responsible driving programme focuses on changing the individual’s attitude towards alcohol use and driving under the influence, reckless driving and road safety generally.
Shifting Gears targets adult offenders arrested and diverted or convicted for driving under the influence (DUI), reckless and negligent driving, and culpable homicide resulting in a road death.
This is a court mandated six-session group-based programme for ten to 15 participants, with each session lasting two or two-and-a-half hours.
Shifting Gears allows suitable offenders to participate in this behaviour modification treatment programme and carry out their sentences in the community. Although the consequences of the driving offence will not involve going to prison, convicted offenders will have a criminal record. Diverted offenders, however, will not have a criminal record.
Shifting Gears educates and empowers participants to...
- Reduce/eliminate drunk other unsafe driving behaviours
- Build and apply new knowledge, skills, and strategies while cultivating insights to change bad or drunk driving behaviour
- Improve awareness of the dangers and consequences of drunk and reckless driving
- Explore the benefits of responsible drinking
- Explore what it means to be a responsible driver
- Examine the rights of other road users and pedestrians as well as the consequences of road offences
This intervention has proven that it reduces bad or drunk driving and contributes towards keeping South Africans safe on the road.
