Youthful Drinking and Driving Prevention Program

YDDPP is a program that works!

In Texas alone, the negative economic impact of underage drinking is almost $5 billion annually, but this dollar amount does not accurately reflect the true devastation caused by underage drinking. In 2002, over 25% of Texas high school seniors admitted driving in the past year after drinking alcoholic beverages. Last year in Texas , over 2000 youth were injured in alcohol related crashes, and of all the alcohol-related motor vehicle trauma admissions into Baylor and Parkland medical centers, over 20% were under the age of 21. Last year, the Dallas area had more DWI deaths than any city in the nation.

In 1999, Dallas Challenge was chosen to develop The Youthful Drinking and Driving Prevention Program (YDDPP) by Dallas County to meet the needs of the Dallas community . YDDPP is designed to deter underage drinking as well as driving under the influence of substances. It is a five-hour interactive program during which participants are required to listen, interact, and most importantly think. The Juvenile Department, court system in Dallas County, along with Parkland and Baylor Hospitals, and Dallas Challenge all collaborate to deliver the program. Each plays a role in the overall success of the program, and provides guidance through their membership on the program oversight committee.

Segment 1

The program begins with an introduction facilitated by experienced and credentialed Dallas Challenge staff members. Program rational is provided in the context of a general overview. The first segment includes a group introduction and self disclosure activity. In addition, the concept of social values and community expectations in relationship to social contracts and laws is introduced.

Segment 2

This segment begins with a short quiz and review of the “Zero Tolerance Law (Minors In Possession). This activity is designed to engage the participants in a discussion regarding the state's underage drinking laws. All the major components of the Driving While Intoxicated law are covered in detail.

Segment 3

The third segment is designed to provide basic alcohol education. Information is presented concerning the primary physical effects of alcohol and drugs, along with how alcohol and drugs can impact effective decision making. A video detailing the risks associated with substance abuse is viewed and discussed.

Segment 4

A visual presentation of cases typically assigned to nurses from Baylor and Parkland Hospitals, and subsequent dialog, is facilitated by professional medical personnel. The presentation is graphic and designed to portray a realistic view of the risks of injury and death associated by substance abuse.

Segment 5

The key area discussed is intoxication as measured by blood alcohol concentration levels (BACs). At this juncture The Fatal Visions Goggles Program and Fatal Reflections Program are introduced and demonstrated. Both programs provide a dynamic and interactive opportunity, for participants to experience and view a realistic simulation of the realities and consequences of impaired driving. Also during this segment, participants are given a brief tour of particular hospital units. They are engaged in a variety of activities designed to provide a realistic view of the devastation caused by alcohol and drug related traffic incidents.

Segment 6

The final segment is designed to emphasize effective decision-making and individual responsibility. A decision-making logic model is presented and employed as a platform to facilitate a class dialog on personal accountability. The program ends with a tour of the hospital (Baylor or Parkland) and with each participant receiving a certificate of completion.

Although many of our participants lose their license and are “legally” unable to drive, the national statistics reveal that 32% of second time DWI offenders and 61% of third-time DWI offenders received violations or crash citations on their driving records during their suspensions. We then assume that many of our participants continue to drive with or without their license.

  There is a fee required to attend.

Please call the Dallas Challenge office for more information:

T: (972) 566-4680 or email info@dallaschallenge.org

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