A recent study evaluated the Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP), a statewide program required for people convicted of their first DUI offense. Researchers found that participants had positive experiences with the program and reported drinking less and driving impaired less often after completing it.
Participants Reported Positive Experiences
Many participants said they were satisfied with the program and its instructors. They especially valued learning about:
- Personal triggers that can lead to substance use
- The effects of alcohol and drugs on driving
- How prescription and over-the-counter medications can impair driving
- Strategies for avoiding future impaired driving
Participants also reported that the program helped them better understand the risks associated with alcohol and drug use.
Alcohol Use Decreased After the Program
The study found clear improvements in alcohol-related behaviors after participants completed MASEP. Daily alcohol use dropped from 9.4% before the program to 5.1% afterward. At the same time, the percentage of participants who reported not drinking alcohol increased from 36.6% to 40.9%. Overall alcohol consumption also decreased for both men and women.
Fewer Participants Reported Driving Impaired
One of the most important findings was a decrease in self-reported alcohol-impaired driving. Before entering MASEP, about 38% of participants said they had driven while impaired by alcohol. Three months after completing the program, that number dropped to about 8%. More than 90% of participants reported no alcohol- or drug-impaired driving during the follow-up period.
Better Understanding of Medication Risks
Researchers found that more participants reported using prescription medications that can impair driving after completing the program. The authors believe this may be because participants became more aware that some medications can affect driving ability. Nearly two-thirds of participants said they had a better understanding of how prescription and over-the-counter medications can impair driving.
Areas for Improvement
The study also identified challenges. Cannabis use did not change significantly after the program, and participants who continued using substances or engaging in risky driving behaviors were more likely to report impaired driving after completion.
Researchers noted that some individuals with more serious substance use problems may need additional treatment beyond a 12-hour educational program.
The study suggests that MASEP helps many first-time DUI offenders make safer decisions by reducing alcohol use and impaired driving. While the program appears effective for many participants, continued improvements and evaluation may help address issues related to drug-impaired driving and prescription medication use.
Source:
Robertson, A. A., Sergi, K., Brock, M., Shawl, D., & Melcherts, A. (2026). An Evaluation of Mississippi’s Impaired Driving Intervention Program for First Time Offenders. Justice Evaluation Journal. https://doi.org/10.1080/24751979.2026.2723842
