Driving With Care™ - dial 651.829.2880 to enroll – is a training program to correct impaired driving behavior. It was developed by Colorado researchers. The program is cognitive-based. Participant explore, and correct, the flawed thinking patterns that contribute to driving under the influence. In Steele County Minnesota, a person convicted of a DUI is required to complete a chemical dependency evaluation and DWI education.
More and more district courts across the state are mandating level 1 or level 2 Driving with Care as the specialized DWI / DUI education program that offenders must complete. This is because Driving with Care has been shown to reduce the rates of reoffending and rearrest. The classes are recognized as effective and therefore judges and probation officers often require this type of education and do not allow a person to take a one day DWI class. Taking the DUI course online or in-person with our agency ensures that you properly complete the education requirement.
The course is flexible and designed for working adults. Classes are offered in-person in Steele County Minnesota or online through secure face-to-face video conferencing, which is often referred to as Telehealth. We understand that you live a busy life, and take pride in working around your work/life schedule.
The course in Steele County MN goes over several different topics, including: setting goals around alcohol use, creating commitments around drinking and driving, the impact of being arrested on family/friends, state laws, aggravating factors that lead to more serious charges, alcohol awareness education, BAC levels, risk factors for future drinking and driving behavior, and several other topics.
Driving with Care Level 1 Education - is a 6-lesson, 12-hour DUI education course. The curriculum provides education on alcohol plus drinking and driving for 1st-time offenders. The education adapts based upon alcohol consumption goals. For individuals who plan to continue to drink, responsible alcohol use is emphasized. For those Steele County participants who are abstaining from alcohol use, education on quitting drinking is provided. The main focus of the program is to look at the choice to drink and drive and discuss strategies for better decision-making.
Driving with Care Level 2 Education - is a 12-lesson, 24-hour DUI education program. It is meant for repeat DUI offenders. This program builds upon level 1 education and goes deeper into relapse and recidivism prevention techniques. The program examines improving morals, healthy relationships, and effective communication. The program also tracks any ongoing alcohol misuse or high-risk drinking and driving behavior, and helps to change this type of behavior.
Driving with Care Level 2 Therapy - is a 21-lesson, 42-hour DUI education program. It is meant for individuals who have habitually drove drunk and meet criteria for alcohol use disorder, sometimes referred to as alcoholism or addiction. The program lasts several months and utilizes relapse prevention strategies to help clients achieve their alcohol-related goals.
Minnesota's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08. However, drivers can be arrested for DUI at lower levels if a police officer suspects impairment. Another pathway to arrest is if a peace officer suspects that a driver is under the influence of a mind-altering prescription or illicit drug. For first-time DWIs, a typical penalty is potential jail time or house arrest, and loss of license for 30-days or more.
Repeat offenders in Steele County MN have stiffer penalties. As an additional requirement, they are generally mandated to take part in the Ignition interlock program if they want to start driving within a year of their most recent offense. The device is installed beneath the dashboard of the vehicle and connects to a vehicle’s starter. Participants must provide a breath sample and have an alcohol concentration below 0.02 in order for the car to start. The program is used because it is perceived to enhance road safety and condition better habits. In fact, research by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation indicates interlock devices reduce repeat DWI offenses by 64 percent.
For more tips, visot Minnesota Office of Public Safety
Follow the tips below to reduce the risk of car accidents in Steele County MN: