Objective and accurate DUI/DWI
offender assessment
The Driver Risk
Inventory-II, or DRI-II, was designed
specifically for DUI/DWI offender assessment. The National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reviewed all major DUI/DWI offender tests
and rated the DRI-II as the best. NHTSA is the highest federal authority in
the DUI field. The DRI-II assesses offender truthfulness, quantifies alcohol
and drug abuse severity, classifies substance abuse/dependency according to DSM-IV criteria,
measures stress handling abilities and determines driver risk.
The DRI-II has impressive reliability, validity and accuracy, which is reported
in this webpage.
APPLICATIONS
** Driver Risk Inventory-II **
Assessment of individuals charged with and/or convicted of DUI/DWI offenses.
DUI/DWI offender assessment in clinics, counseling practices, probation departments, court
settings and service provider offices.
DSM-IV substance abuse/dependency classification and simultaneous measurement of the
severity of alcohol and drug abuse.
Description
The Driver Risk Inventory-II, or
DRI-II, is a brief, easily administered and automated (computer-scored
and interpreted) DUI/DWI offender screening instrument or test. The
DRI-II contains six scales that measure client truthfulness, driver
risk, stress coping abilities, alcohol abuse severity and drug abuse
severity while concurrently classifying offenders as substance abusers
or substance dependent in accordance with DSM-IV criteria.
Six Driver Risk Inventory-II
Scales
The DRI-II contains 6 separate scales (or measures) that are standardized on the DUI/DWI
offender population. These include:
Truthfulness
Scale: Measures how truthful the offender
was while completing the DRI-II. It detects denial and identifies
attempts to try and fake good.
Alcohol
Scale: Measures alcohol (beer,
wine and other liquor) use and abuse. This scale measures the
severity of alcohol abuse while
identifying alcohol-related problems.
Drugs Scale: Measures
the
severity of
illicit drug (marijuana, crack, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates
and heroin) use and abuse while identifying drug-related problems.
Substance
Abuse/Dependency Scale: Utilizes DSM-IV criteria to classify substance abuse or
substance dependency. Substance (alcohol and other drugs) users are
classified with DSM-IV criteria.
Driver Risk
Scale: Measures driver risk independent of
substance (alcohol or other drugs) use or abuse. Some people are
simply dangerous drivers.
Stress Coping
Abilities Scale: Measures one's ability to
cope effectively with stress. Stress exacerbates symptoms of emotional
and mental health problems.
The DRI-II assesses attitudes
and behaviors, yielding a DUI/DWI offender profile. Paper-pencil or
on-screen test administration takes 25 minutes to complete, and tests
are computer-scored with reports printed on-site within 2 ½ minutes.
The DRI-II was developed
specifically for DUI/DWI offender evaluation. It is much more than just
another alcohol or drug test; consequently, the DRI-II measures important
behaviors missed by other tests.
The DRI-II Short Form is designed for use in high
volume assessment settings, as an alternative to the DRI-II and in
reading impaired DUI/DWI offender testing. Click on the following link
to go to the
DRI-II Short Form webpage.
Driver Risk
Inventory-II Test Booklet
DRI-II test booklets are
provided free. These booklets contain 140 items (84 true/false, 56
multiple choice). This booklet is written at a high 5th grade to a low
6th grade level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the DRI-II.
It takes 25 minutes, on average, for DUI/DWI offenders to
complete the test. DRI-II test booklets are available in both English and Spanish.
"Over one million DUI/DWI offenders in the
DRI Database"
Driver Risk Inventory-II
Reports
In brief, DRI-II reports summarize the DUI/DWI offender's self-reported court history, explain
what attained scores mean and offer specific score-related recommendations.
Within 2½ minutes from test data entry, automated (computer-generated) 3-page reports are printed
on-site. These reports summarize a lot of information in an easily
understood format. For example, these reports include a DRI-II profile
(graph), which summarizes DUI/DWI offender findings at a glance. Also included are
attained scale scores, an explanation of what each score means and
specific score-related recommendations.
Significant items (direct admissions) are highlighted, and answers to the built-in interview (the
last sequence of multiple choice items) are presented. Emphasis has been
placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood.
To go directly to the example DRI-II report, click
on the
DRI-II Report link. After
reviewing the report, you can return to this section by clicking on the
"Return to DRI-II Reports Section" link.
REPORT
HIGHLIGHTS
** Driver Risk Inventory-II **
Truth-Corrected scores
Comprehensive 3-page report
Easy to understand reports
Six measures (scales) summarized
Score-related recommendations
Significant items highlighted
DRI-II profile (graph) of results
Summary of court-related information
Concise multiple choice built-in
Space provided for evaluator comments
Software
The DRI-II is available in Windows. Windows diskettes require a
one-time computer setup procedure after
which DRI-II data diskettes are used. Training manuals are provided, and
new test users can be walked through these procedures over Behavior Data
Systems, Inc. (Risk & Needs') telephone line.
Proprietary DRI-II diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½"
diskettes score, interpret and print DRI-II reports on-site. Once a DRI-II account is
established, ordered diskettes are mailed to users. When all test
applications are used, diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs where the test data
and demographics are downloaded into the DRI-II database for subsequent
research analysis. The proprietary "delete names" program is activated
by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete all client names from
diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Deleting all test user names
insures client confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal
regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501). To review a DRI-II research study
click on the
DRI-II Research Study link.
DRI-II Database
The DRI-II system contains a
proprietary database. Earlier, it was noted that all DRI-II used
diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs and the test data along with related
demographics are downloaded into the DRI-II database. This database
(over one million DRI and DRI-II tests) allows ongoing research and
testing program summary capabilities that were not possible before.
Ongoing research insures quality control. Test program summaries provide
program self-evaluation.
"Empirically demonstrated reliability,
validity, and accuracy"
Built-in Database: permits ongoing research
and annual program summary -- at no additional cost. As discussed earlier, when the 25 or
50 tests on a diskette are used, that diskette is returned to Risk
& Needs, checked for any viruses and downloaded into the expanding DRI-II
database. This proprietary database includes over one million DUI/DWI
offenders. Advantages of a built-in database are many and include
database (research) analysis and annual summary reports.
No personal information, names, social security numbers, etc. are ever downloaded into any
test database.
Returned DRI-II diskettes from
an agency, department or state can be selected from the database for
research and analysis. The DRI-II is restandardized annually on a
state-by-state basis -- at no cost to users. Database analysis insures
quality control. To review a research publication incorporating
the DRI-II, click on this
Nebraska
Probation Department Research Publication link.
Similarly, returned diskettes can be summarized on a state, department or agency basis --
at no cost to users. Annual summary reports provide information for testing program
self-evaluation. To review an Annual Report, click on this
Annual Report link.
In summary, having all used DRI-II test data centrally filed at
Risk & Needs' offices
in the DRI-II database has many advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient
research that includes scale alpha coefficients, frequency
distributions, correlations, ANOVA, cross-tab statistics along with
reliability, validity and accuracy determinations. We continue to study
the effects of demographics and are undertaking recidivism prediction studies.
After downloading test data returned diskettes are destroyed.
As reported in Government
Technology (Vol. 3, #5, May 1990), "NHTSA concluded the Driver Risk
Inventory (DRI) was the best . . . It (DRI) appears to be by far the most
carefully constructed test."
And now,
after years of research, the DRI has been improved. This improved test is
called the DRI-II. To review an abstract of this National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration publication, click on this
NHTSA Publication link.
Annual Summary Reports
Risk & Needs can access each of its
tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and summarization of all
tests administered in a year. Annual Summary Reports are prepared
for state, department, agency and even some individual providers -- at no
cost to them. These reports are provided as a professional courtesy
to large volume test users. Summary reports include demographics,
court-history when relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity
and accuracy). Has anyone offered to summarize your testing program?
Annually? At no additional cost to you? Minimum testing volume for
annual reports is 350 tests. There is no maximum limit. Behavior Data
Systems' annual reports range in size from 350 tests to over 55,000 tests annually.
An example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on this
Annual Summary Report link.
Reliability, Validity and Accuracy
The DRI-II has a built-in database that insures inclusion of all tests administered in a
confidential (no names) manner. Over
one million
DUI/DWI offenders are represented in the DRI-II database. And, these reliability, validity and
accuracy statistics are reported in the manual titled "DRI-II: An
Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual database analysis has
demonstrated that DRI-II scales maintain very high reliability coefficients,
minimum interscale correlations and accuracy. To review a DRI-II
study click on the
DRI-II Research Study link.
The internal consistencies (alpha coefficients) for DRI-II scales are reported below for
24,354 DUI offenders screened in the year 2002. This is one among many year 2002 samples.
RELIABILITY
OF THE DRI-II (N=24,354, 2002)
DRI-II Scales
Alpha Coefficient
Significance Level
Truthfulness
.90
p<.001
Alcohol
.92
p<.001
Drugs
.91
p<.001
Driver Risk
.87
p<.001
Stress Coping
.92
p<.001
Substance Abuse/Dependency
.93
p<.001
The Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale is a
classification
scale based on DSM-IV criteria. In contrast, the Alcohol and Drugs
Scales are measurement scales. They measure the
severity of alcohol and drug abuse.
All DRI-II scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted standard
of .75 and are highly reliable. All alpha coefficients are significant at the p<.001 level.
DRI-II research extends over 20 years. Many studies have been conducted on thousands (not
just hundreds, but thousands) of DUI/DWI offenders using several validation methods.
"The DRI-II provides a sound
empirical basis for decisions"
Early studies used criterion measures and were validated with many other tests, e.g., Minnesota
Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale, MMPI F-Scale, Mortimer-Filkins, MacAndrews,
experienced staff ratings, polygraph exams, etc. Much of this research is summarized in the
"DRI-II: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Subsequently, many discriminant validity
(first versus multiple offenders) and predictive validity (offenders having had alcohol or drug
treatment versus non-treatment) database analyses support DRI-II validity.
DRI-II norms are based on DUI/DWI offenders who now exceed one million individuals. These norms
are updated annually for each DRI-II scale. Separate norms are available for gender (males and
females), ethnicity (Caucasian, Black and Hispanic) and geographic (state-by-state) regions. This
database research is ongoing.
If interested in Driver Risk Inventory-II research,
you can click on the
DRI-II Research Study #1
link, which is also linked to other research studies, or click on the
research links at the end of this webpage. There are three DRI-II
research studies contained in this webpage. The links are referred to as
Research Study #1, Research Study #2 and Research Study #3. A
Nebraska Probation Department study is presented in the link Nebraska
Probation Study #4. In addition, the document titled "DRI-II: An Inventory of Scientific
Findings" is available from Risk & Needs. It contains over one
million DUI/DWI offenders in the research summarized therein. This
research document is over 100 pages long.
All DRI-II Short Form scales correlate significantly
with corresponding DRI-II scales. The Stress Coping Abilities Scale was
not included in the Short Form because of its length. If interested in
the DRI-II Short Form, you can click on the following link to go to the
DRI-II Short Form webpage.
Research Publication:
Nebraska Probation Department's Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) selection process was
automated with Risk & Needs tests. These tests include the Driver Risk Inventory-II, SAQ-Adult
Probation III, Domestic Violence Inventory, Sexual Adjustment Inventory and the ACDI-Corrections Version II. This research is
reported in Edward C. Birkel and David L. Wegner's article (2000). "Accurate Intensive
Supervision Probation Selection: Revisited." American Probation and
Parole Association, Perspectives, Vol. 24, #4 Fall, pp. 18-21. To read this article click on the
Perspectives Research Article link.
Fairness goes beyond reliability and validity. The term applies to test accuracy for
demographic groups like age, gender, ethnicity (race) and education.
Take an answer sheet, and then apply it to three ethnic groups, e.g.,
Caucasian, Black and Hispanic. If the test has been normed on these
ethnic groups, each score will often be different, and that shows the test
was normed for fairness. If the three test scores are always the same,
it is likely that the test was not normed on ethnic groups. And, in that
case, the test would be unfair or not accurate for different ethnic
groups. The DRI-II has been normed on Caucasians, Blacks and Hispanics,
and these ethnic norms are reevaluated in the DRI-II's annual database
analysis. This research is ongoing, and scale score equations are
adjusted, as warranted, in the annual database analysis. The DRI-II is accurate and fair.
Independent researchers have conducted their own validation studies (e.g., Fred Marsteller, Emory
University School of Medicine; Barry Leshowitz, Arizona State
University; Edward Birkel and David Wegner, Nebraska Probation
Department) and report impressive results. The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded the DRI-II was "by far the most
carefully constructed" (DOT HS 807 475) of the major DUI/DWI offender
tests. And, as reported in Government Technology (Vol. 3, #5, May 1990),
"the Driver Risk Inventory was rated by NHTSA as the best." It is
reasonable to conclude that the DRI-II is a reliable, valid, accurate
and fair DUI/DWI assessment instrument or test.
An abstract of the NHTSA
research project titled "Assessment of Classification Instruments
Designed to Detect Alcohol Abuse" (DOT HS 807 475) can be read by
clicking on the
NHTSA
Report link.
Staff Member Input
Some people advocate fully automated assessment. Behavior Data
Systems does not. The DRI-II
is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, court
records should be reviewed because they can contain important information that was not provided
or was incorrectly provided by the DUI/DWI offender. Experienced evaluators should also interview the
client. For these reasons, the following statement is contained on each DRI-II report:
"DRI-II results are confidential and should be considered working hypotheses. No diagnosis or
decision should be based solely upon DRI-II results. The DRI-II is to be used in conjunction with
experienced staff judgment."
Unique Driver Risk Inventory-II Features
Truthfulness Scale: Identifies
denial, problem minimization and attempts to fake good. It is now known that most DUI/DWI
offenders attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is a
necessary component in contemporary tests. The DRI-II Truthfulness Scale
has been validated with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
(MMPI), polygraph exams, other tests, truthfulness studies and
experienced staff judgment. The DRI-II Truthfulness Scale has been
demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. In some respects, the
DRI-II Truthfulness Scale is similar to the MMPI's L and F-Scales. It
consists of a number of items that most people agree or disagree with.
"Proprietary DRI-II Short Form and 'human voice audio' programs are practical
alternatives for screening reading impaired offenders"
Truth-Corrected
Scores: Have proven to be very important for
assessment accuracy. This proprietary truth correction process is
comparable to the MMPI K-Scale correction. The DRI-II Truthfulness Scale
has been correlated with the other 5 scales. The Truth Correction
equation then converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores.
Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. Raw scores
reflect what the DUI/DWI offender wants you to know. Truth-Corrected
scores reveal what the offender is attempting to hide.
The Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale: Categorizes DUI/DWI offenders as substance abusers
or substance dependent in accordance with DSM-IV criteria. Other DUI/DWI
tests without this scale can not classify DUI/DWI offenders according to
DSM-IV criteria. Such classification augments the Alcohol Scale and
Drugs Scale severity of abuse
measures. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) notes there
are exceptions to DSM-IV classification, and these exceptions are made
according to the severity of
the client's substance abuse. In other words, exceptions to DSM-IV
substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse/dependency classification can
be determined by the severity of abuse. The severity of a client's
substance abuse determines their recommended levels of intervention or treatment.
Driver Risk Scale: Measures driving risk independent of substance (alcohol and
other drugs) use or abuse. Some people are simply dangerous drivers. These individuals would
benefit from driver education and training. To adequately understand a DUI/DWI offender's driving
risk, it is important to know their driver attitude and aggressiveness. It sounds obvious, yet
NHTSA noted that no other major DUI/DWI offender test has a Driver Risk Scale.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures how well the DUI/DWI
offender handles stress, tension and pressure. How a person handles
stress can directly affect their driving safety. And, we now know that stress
exacerbates emotional and mental health symptomatology. This scale is a
non-introversive way to screen for established (diagnosable) mental
health problems. A person scoring at or above the 90th percentile on the
Stress Coping Abilities Scale should be referred to a certified mental
health professional for a more comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and
treatment plan. This important area of inquiry is missed by other DUI/DWI tests.
More than just another alcohol or drug test: In
addition to alcohol and drugs, the DRI-II assesses other important areas of inquiry
like truthfulness, denial, faking, driving safety and
emotional/mental health problems. The DRI-II is specifically designed
for DUI/DWI offender assessment. It provides the information needed for
comprehensive DUI/DWI offender screening.
Three
ways to give the DRI-II: The DRI-II can be
administered in three different ways:
1.
Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. DRI-II English and
Spanish test booklets and answer sheets are
available. 2. Tests can be
given directly on the computer screen, and clients can adjust the size of
the print. Some agencies dedicate computers for DRI-II testing.
3.
Human voice audio in English
or Spanish is available. This involves a headset. The DUI/DWI offender
uses the up-down arrow keys. As the client goes from question to answer
with the arrow keys, that question or answer is highlighted on the
monitor and concurrently read to the client. These three test
administration modes are discussed in the DRI-II Orientation and
Training Manual. Each test administration mode has advantages and some
limitations. Risk & Needs offers these three test modes so test users can select the
administration mode that is optimally suited to their needs.
"The delete client names program
insures client confidentiality"
Reading Impaired Assessment:
Reading
impaired DUI/DWI offenders represent 20+ percent of the offenders
tested. This represents a serious problem to other DUI/DWI tests.
Risk & Needs has developed two alternatives for dealing with this problem:
1. Human Voice Audio
and
2. DRI-II Short Form.
Human Voice Audio:
Presentations of the DRI-II and Short Form are in English and Spanish.
DUI/DWI offenders' passive vocabularies are often greater than their
active vocabularies. Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce
cultural and communication problems. This administration mode requires
earphones and simple instructions to orient the client to the up-down
arrow keys on the computer keyboard. Human Voice Audio is an alternative
approach for evaluating reading impaired DUI/DWI offenders.
DRI-II Short Form: Approximately 20+ percent of DUI/DWI offenders
are reading impaired. The DRI-II Short Form offers a practical
alternative for screening reading impaired individuals. It is also an
alternative for high volume assessment settings. It augments the DRI-II
and contains five measures (scales).
DRI-II Short Form scales correlate highly significantly with comparable DRI-II scales.
Correlation coefficients between DRI-II and DRI-II Short Form scales for
6,394 DUI/DWI offenders are:
DRI-II AND THE DRI-II SHORT FORM
Scales
Correlation Coefficients
Truthfulness Scale
.96
Alcohol Scale
.98
Driver Risk Scale
.93
Drugs Scale
.97
Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficients demonstrate a very high correlation between
DRI-II and comparable DRI-II Short Form scales. These correlation
coefficients are so high that it is safe to conclude that DRI-II Short
Form scales measure essentially the same attitudes/behaviors that are
measured with the comparable DRI-II scales. A correlation coefficient of zero
refers to no relationship between variables; whereas, a correlation
coefficient of 1.0 refers to a perfect relationship or correlation. In
the above table, DRI-II Short Form scale items were correlated against
the DRI-II scales in this sample of DRI-II data. DRI-II Short Form
scales are subsets of DRI-II scales (same or similar items are in both
tests), and they are shown to be highly correlated with the DRI-II
scales. Along with having fewer test items per scale, the DRI-II Short
Form does not include the Stress Coping Abilities Scale. For DUI/DWI
offender assessment, test users now have a choice: DRI-II or DRI-II Short Form.
If interested in the DRI-II Short Form, you can click on this
DRI-II
Short Form link. There are also links to the DRI-II Short Form on the "Tests Alphabetically
Listed" and the "Tests Functionally Grouped" webpages.
Confidentiality: Risk
& Needs encourages test users to delete DUI/DWI
offender names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk &
Needs. Once client names
are deleted, they are gone and cannot be retrieved. Deleting client names does not
delete demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the DRI-II
database for subsequent analysis. This proprietary name deletion
procedure involves a few keystrokes and insures client confidentiality
and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
Test Data Input
Verification: Allows the person that inputs
test data from the answer sheet into the computer to verify the accuracy
of their data input. In brief, test data is input twice, and any
inconsistencies between the first and second data entries are
highlighted until corrected. When the first and second data entries
match or are the same, the staff person can continue. This proprietary
Data Input Verification procedure is optional, yet strongly recommended
by Risk & Needs.
Inventory of
Scientific Findings: Much of the DRI and DRI-II research has been
gathered together in a 100+ page document titled "DRI-II: An Inventory of
Scientific Findings." This document summarizes DRI-II research
chronologically - as the studies were completed. This chronological
reporting format was established largely because of the DRI-II database,
which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered. The
"DRI-II: An Inventory of Scientific Findings" document contains over one million
DUI/DWI offenders DRI and DRI-II test data.
"The DRI-II is designed specifically for
DUI/DWI offender assessment"
Staff Training:
Risk & Needs' staff
are available to participate in DRI-II training programs conducted by statewide programs, departments
and high volume agencies in the United States. Sometimes smaller volume
providers get together for collective (multiple providers) on-site
training. Risk & Needs typically participates in 4-hour or 6-hour DRI-II training
sessions. This training can include hands-on computer scoring as
desired. Attendees often receive continuing education credits (CEU's)
for the time involved. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to
their DRI-II training.
Staff training is also provided on Fridays at Risk & Needs'
Phoenix offices from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30
p.m. These training sessions are free. To participate, contact Behavior
Data Systems at least ten days in advance. Participation is on a first call, first scheduled basis.
Why select the DRI-II?
The DRI-II meets and exceeds most DUI/DWI offender screening criteria. It is endorsed by users,
courts, evaluators, peers, psychologists and is even incorporated in
some state DUI statutes. It is widely used in the United States with
over 135,000 DRI-II tests being administered yearly. There are over one
million DUI/DWI offenders' test data in the DRI-II database. The DRI-II
has been repeatedly demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate.
Ongoing research continues to study and adjust for demographics like
age, gender and ethnicity (race).
The DRI-II's six scales measure truthfulness, classify substance abuse and dependency in
accordance with DSM-IV criteria, quantify the severity of alcohol and drug abuse, and assess
driver risk along with non-introversive quantification of stress coping
abilities. Screening stress coping abilities allows identification of
the presence of established (diagnosable) emotional and mental health problems.
The DRI-II's built-in database facilitates cost efficient database analysis and annual
testing program summary (large agencies/departments and statewide programs) reports.
These two unique features -- ongoing database analysis and annual
summary reports -- are provided free.
DUI/DWI offenders' DRI-II reports are timely (available on-site in 2½ minutes), readable and easy
to understand. Score-related recommendations are relevant. It's reasonable to conclude the DRI-II is
the state-of-the-art in contemporary DUI/DWI offender assessment and screening. And,
Risk & Needs doesn't stop there! The DRI-II is very affordable.
"Risk & Needs' e-mail address is
info@riskandneeds.com"
Advantages of Screening
Screening or assessment instruments filter out individuals with serious problems that may
require referral for a more comprehensive evaluation and/or treatment.
This filtering system works as follows:
DRI-II
RISK RANGES
Risk Category
Risk Range Percentile
Total Percentage
Low Risk
0 - 39%
39%
Medium Risk
40 - 69%
30%
Problem Risk
70 - 89%
20%
Severe Problem
90 -100%
11%
Reference to the above table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is
at the 70th percentile or higher. And, these risk range percentiles are based
upon the hundreds of thousands of DUI/DWI offenders that have taken the
Driver Risk Inventory-II. This procedure is eminently fair, and it avoids
extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of problems.
A state, department, court or agency policy might refer clients with identified problems for
further evaluation, intervention or treatment. In this case, 31% of the people
screened (Problem Risk and Severe Problem) would be referred. Or, policy
might refer clients with serious problems (Severe Problems, 11%) for
additional services. In these examples, either 69% or 89% (contingent
upon adopted policy) of the people screened would not be referred for
additional (and expensive) services.
Budgetary savings
(dollars) would be large with no compromises in needy people receiving
appropriate evaluation and/or treatment services.
Indeed, more needy
people would receive help. Without a screening
program, there is usually more risk of over or under-utilization of
additional professional services.
What users are saying ...
"If you're going to be selecting an instrument to be used to screen and assess DUI offenders,
you'd want the current state of the art, and that's the Driver Risk Inventory."
Psychologist, Los Angeles, California
"I am extremely pleased with
the Driver Risk Inventory and would recommend it to anyone in the market
for a highly reliable, easy-to-use testing instrument."
Sloan Clinic - Springfield Central, Massachusetts
"This instrument (Driver Risk
Inventory) appears to be by far the most carefully constructed from a
psychometric standpoint. . . Of all the instruments reviewed, this test
(DRI) is the most carefully constructed."
NHTSA, DOT HS 807 475
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
"The University of North Carolina Highway Safety
Research Center completed a major study comparing all existing tests for
alcohol/drug dependency used for drinking - drivers. Their conclusion:
Driver Risk Inventory was the best."
Government Technology, Volume 3, #5, May 1990
"We found the Driver Risk Inventory is very accurate. It has proven to be a great value at
assisting us with our alcohol assessments for clients referred for DWI.
I would recommend this test for any Tribal program that has a DWI school."
Laguna Service Center, New Mexico
"The Driver Risk Inventory (DRI) provides us a better understanding
of our DUI population. The comprehensive DUI offender statistics and client
profiles that the DRI provides are invaluable. We are pleased with the
DRI and with the responsiveness of Risk & Needs Assessment to our program needs. Risk
& Needs staff has worked closely with us to customize the DRI to
our states needs. Risk & Needs has also been exceptionally responsive and cooperative in
providing training, technical assistance and support services to our DUI
providers throughout the state."
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
"Prior to selecting the Driver
Risk Inventory for use in our program we conducted an exhaustive review
of all available tests. I am very pleased that we selected the DRI."
President, Conway Groups, Inc.
"The following advantages have been identified by the City of Phoenix Municipal
Court in the use of the Driver Risk Inventory:
The DRI provides the basis for strong accountability to the Court by reliable and valid test
results.
The DRI reduces the amount of staff time in interviewing offenders and eliminates manual
scoring.
The DRI allows immediate availability of test results that are organized in a report form
that is easy to review, understand and present.
The DRI provides the basis of revision through ongoing research."
Phoenix Municipal Court
Substance Abuse Screening Service
"Risk & Needs provides
technological assistance, ongoing training, telephone support and other
requested services. Their staff has been attentive to the needs of our
program and this is evidenced by the positive comments we have received
regarding the easy use of the instrument and the support they provide.
We feel the Driver Risk Inventory in combination with a review of the
driving record and the individual interview is a highly effective way of
assuring that offenders will receive the proper level of education
and/or rehabilitation they need."
Missouri, Department of Mental Health
"The Driver Risk Inventory has
proved to be valuable among not only probation cases, but also with
higher risk offenders. The DRI coupled with a personal interview and
review of arrest records has proven to be an effective method of
screening offenders. . . The ease of instructions, administration and
screening are now simple tasks and the results are written in clear,
concise terms with specific recommendations. These are results of value
that enable us to provide a professional service to the public."
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
District IV, Probation and Parole
"The Phoenix Municipal Court's
Substance Abuse Screening Service is well pleased with the Driver Risk
Inventory for screening and assessment of court ordered DWI offenders. .
. In a criminal justice agency documentation of objective criteria in
assessment and classification of risk levels is of critical importance
for all client records. The DRI has proven to be highly successful in
accuracy and reliability of classification."
Phoenix Municipal Court, Criminal Division
"In settings where it has been
adopted as the primary screening instrument for processing convicted
drunk drivers, substance abuse counselors have reported that it (DRI)
improves the quality of their decisions while making their task less
time-intensive."
NHTSA, DOT HS 807 475
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
"Accurate ISP offender
selection has been achieved by combining the strength of Nebraska
Probation Departments existing risk and needs worksheet with selected
criminal court history and an automated assessment instrument or test.
One of the four tests used in this study was the Driver Risk
Inventory-II. It was shown to accurately predict substance abuse, driver
risk and stress coping abilities. . . These results strongly support
the reliability, validity and accuracy of the DRI-II."
Perspectives, Volume 24, #4, Fall 2000
"The introduction of the DRI-II is an excellent example of how Risk & Needs continues to
upgrade their product to provide a reliable and valid instrument. We find the DRI-II continues to
remain an accurate screening instrument and an important component of our program."
Missouri Department of Mental Health
* * * * *
Test Unit Fee (Cost):
DRI-II cost information can be reviewed by clicking on the
Test Unit Fee
(Cost) link. There is only the one cost or charge, and that is the
test unit fee. Everything else is included at no additional cost to the
test user. This includes test booklets, answer sheets, training manuals,
upgrades, ongoing database research, annual summary testing reports,
staff training, and support services. Do not be misled by some test
publishers' à la carte pricing like separate costs for each test
administration as well as for each of the test-related items listed
above. Instead of asking for the test administration cost, ask for the
total cost involved in using a test. We believe Risk & Needs' one test unit fee
is very affordable.
"30-day money back guarantee: Nothing to lose"
Free Examination Kit
A 1-test DRI-II demonstration
diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in
Windows format. This free examination kit has a 1-test demo diskette, test
booklet (reusable), an answer sheet (can photocopy), Installation CD (with instructions),
an Orientation and
Training Manual, One-Page Quick Start and some descriptive information.
Risk & Needs does want the demonstration diskette and test booklet returned
within 30 days.
Selecting a
DUI/DWI Offender Test
If you are selecting a DUI/DWI offender assessment instrument, the following Comparison Checklist
should prove helpful. It lists important screening test qualities. The "Other" column
represents any other test you might want to compare to the DRI-II.
TEST COMPARISON CHECKLIST
COMPARISON CATEGORIES
DRI-II
Other
Designed Specifically for DUI/DWI Evaluation
Yes
Test Reliability and Validity Research Provided
Yes
Test Completed in 30 Minutes
Yes
On-Site Reports within 3 Minutes
Yes
Truthfulness Scale to Detect Faking
Yes
Truth-Corrected Scores for Accuracy
Yes
Three Test Administration Options
Yes
1. Paper-Pencil
(English and Spanish)
Yes
2.
On Computer Screen (English and Spanish)
Yes
3. Human Voice Audio
(English and Spanish)
Yes
Delete Client Names (insures confidentiality)
Yes
HIPAA (federal regulation) Compliant
Yes
Test Data Input Verification (insures accuracy)
Yes
Available in English, Spanish and Russian
Yes
Built-in Database at No Additional Cost
Yes
Annual Database Research (Free)
Yes
Annual Testing Program Summary (Free)
Yes
Short Form for Reading Impaired
Yes
Alcohol and Drugs Scales
Yes
DSM-IV Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale
Yes
Driver Risk Scale
Yes
Stress Coping Abilities Scale
Yes
Large Research Database (over
1 million offenders)
Yes
Highly Rated by NHTSA
Yes
Easily Understood Reports
Yes
ASAM Compatible Recommendations
Yes
Staff Training (Free)
Yes
Examination Kits (Free)
Yes
Very Affordable Test Unit Fee
Yes
"Six Driver Risk Inventory-II Scales (Measures)"
DRI-II Interpretation
An example 3-page Driver Risk
Inventory-II, or DRI-II, report follows this discussion of DRI-II scale
interpretation. The example report is provided as a ready reference to
augment this dialogue. There are several levels of DRI-II interpretation
ranging from viewing the DRI-II as a self-report to interpreting scale
elevations and scale inter-relationships.
The following table is a starting point for interpreting DRI-II scale scores.
DRI-II SCALE
RANGES
Risk Category Classification
Risk Range Percentile
Total Percentage
Low Risk
0 - 39%
39%
Medium Risk
40 - 69%
30%
Problem Risk
70 - 89%
20%
Severe Problem
90 - 100%
11%
Referring to the above table, a
problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70th percentile
or higher. Elevated scale scores
refer to percentile scores that are at or above the 70th
percentile. Severe problems
are identified by scale scores at or above the 90th
percentile. Severe problems represent the highest 11 percent of DUI/DWI
offenders evaluated with the DRI-II. The DRI-II has been normed on over
one million DUI/DWI offenders. And this normative sample continues to
expand with each DRI-II test that is administered.
Scale Interpretation
1. Truthfulness Scale:
Measures how truthful the DUI/DWI offender was while completing the test. It
identifies guarded and defensive people who attempt to fake good.
Truthfulness Scale scores at or below the 89th percentile
mean that all DRI-II scale scores are accurate. When the DRI-II
Truthfulness Scale score is in the 70th to 89th percentile
range, other DRI-II scale scores are accurate because they have been
Truth-Corrected. In contrast, when the Truthfulness Scale score is at
or above the 90th percentile, this means that all DRI-II
scales are inaccurate (invalid) because the DUI/DWI offender or
respondent was overly guarded, read things into test items that aren't
there, was minimizing problems, or was caught faking answers. If not
consciously deceptive, offenders with elevated Truthfulness Scale scores
are uncooperative (likely in a passive-aggressive manner), fail to
understand test items or have a need to appear in a good light.
Truthfulness Scale
scores at or below the 89th percentile mean that all other DRI-II scale scores
are accurate.
One of the first things to check when reviewing a DRI-II report is the
Truthfulness Scale score.
2.
Alcohol Scale: Measures alcohol use and the severity of abuse.
Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquors. An elevated (70th to 89th
percentile) Alcohol Scale is indicative of an emerging drinking problem.
An Alcohol Scale score in the Severe Problem (90th to 100th
percentile) range identifies established and serious drinking problems.
Elevated Alcohol Scale scores do not occur by chance.
A history of alcohol problems
(e.g., alcohol-related arrests, DUI/DWI convictions, etc.) could result
in an abstainer (current non-drinker) attaining a Low to Medium Risk
scale score. Consequently safeguards have been built into the DRI-II to
identify "recovering alcoholics." For example, the offender's
self-reported court history is summarized on the first page of the
DRI-II report. And, on page 3 of the report, the DUI/DWI offender's
multiple choice (items 119 to 140) answers are printed for easy
reference. The DUI/DWI offender's answer to the
"recovering alcoholic" question (item 138) is printed on page 3 of the DRI-II
report.
In addition elevated Alcohol Scale
paragraphs caution staff to establish if the offender is a recovering
alcoholic. If recovering, how long? Obviously, the DUI/DWI offender was
arrested for a DUI or DWI.
Severely elevated Alcohol and
Drugs Scale scores indicate polysubstance abuse and the highest score
usually identifies the offender's substance of choice. Scores in the
Severe Problem (90th to 100th percentile) range are a malignant
prognostic sign. Elevated Alcohol Scale, Drugs Scale and Driver Risk
Scale scores identify a particularly dangerous driver. Here, you have a
person with poor driving skills who is even further impaired when drinking or using drugs.
In intervention and treatment
settings, the offender's DRI-II Alcohol Scale score can help staff work
through offender denial. More people accept objective standardized
assessment results as opposed to someone's subjective opinion. This is
especially true when it is explained that the DRI-II has been given to
over one million DUI/DWI offenders and that elevated scores do not occur
by chance. The Alcohol Scale can be interpreted independently or in
combination with other DRI-II scales.
3.
Drugs
Scale: Measures drug use and severity of drug abuse. Drugs refer
to marijuana, ice, crack, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and
heroin. An elevated (70th to 89th percentile) Drugs Scale score
identifies emerging drug problems. A Drugs Scale score in the Severe
Problem (90th to 100th percentile) range identifies established
drug problems and drug abuse.
A history of drug-related problems (e.g., drug-related arrests, prior DUI/DWI convictions, drug
treatment, etc.) could result in an abstainer (current non-user)
attaining a Low to Medium Risk Drug Scale score. For this reason,
precautions have been built into the DRI-II to insure correct
identification of "recovering" drug abusers. Many of these precautions
are similar to those discussed in the above Alcohol Scale description.
And, the DUI/DWI offender's answer to
the "recovering drug abuser" question (item 138) is printed on page 3 of the
DRI-II report.
Concurrently elevated Drugs and Alcohol Scale scores are indications of polysubstance abuse,
and the highest score reflects the offender's substance of choice. Very
dangerous drivers are identified when both the Drugs Scale and the
Driver Risk Scale are elevated. Any Drugs Scale score in the Severe
Problem (90th to 100th percentile) range should be taken
seriously. The Drugs Scale can be interpreted independently or in
combination with other DRI-II scales.
"Substance Abuse/Dependency
Classification Scale"
4. Substance
Abuse/Dependency Scale: Classifies DUI/DWI offenders as substance
abusers, substance dependent or non-pathological substance users in
accordance with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria.
The DRI-II Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale is entirely based on DSM-IV classification
criteria for substance abuse and dependency. When a DUI/DWI offender
admits to one of the four DSM-IV abuse symptoms (criteria), that offender
is classified in the substance abuse category. When an offender admits
to three of the seven DSM-IV dependency symptoms (criteria), that
offender is classified in the substance dependency category. When an
offender does not meet DSM-IV criteria for abuse or dependency, they are
non-pathological substance users (if they use alcohol or drugs).
There is an important difference between the DRI-II Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale and the
Alcohol and Drugs Scales. The Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale
classifies people as abusers,
dependent or non-pathological substance users (if they use alcohol or
drugs). The Alcohol Scale and Drugs Scale measure the severity
of alcohol and
drug use or abuse.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) states there can be exceptions to DSM-IV
classification, and these exceptions are made according to the
severity of a person's substance
abuse. The severity of a person's substance abuse determines their
recommended level of intervention and/or treatment.
In summary, the Alcohol and
Drugs Scales measure severity
of substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse; whereas, the Substance
Abuse/Dependency Scale classifies
people as substance abusers or substance dependents. The Substance
Abuse/Dependency Scale can be interpreted independently or in
combination with DRI-II Alcohol and Drugs Scales.
"Alcohol and Drugs Scales
Measures Severity of Abuse"
5. Driver Risk Scale: Measures driving
risk, e.g., aggressive, irresponsible or careless drivers. This scale is independent of the
Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse/Dependency Scales. Some people are
simply poor drivers. Elevated (70th to 89th percentile) Driver
Risk Scale scores identify problem prone drivers that would benefit from
a driver improvement program. Severe Problem (90th to 100th percentile) scorers are simply
dangerous drivers.
These are high probability accident prone
drivers. When the Driver Risk Scale and the Alcohol Scale and/or Drugs
Scale are elevated, a person's poor driving abilities are further
impaired by substance use or abuse. According to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is the highest federal
authority in the DUI/DWI field, the DRI-II is the only major DUI/DWI test
that measures driver risk. Consequently, other tests do not identify
abstaining (non-drinking and non-drug use) dangerous drivers.
The Driver Risk Scale provides considerable insight into offender driving behavior, but it is
overlooked by other DUI/DWI tests. The Driver Risk Scale can be interpreted
independently or in combination with the DRI-II Alcohol Scale, Drugs
Scale and Stress Coping Abilities Scale.
6. Stress
Coping Abilities Scale: Measures the DUI/DWI offender's ability
to cope effectively with stress, tension and pressure. How well a person
manages stress affects their driving safety. A Stress Coping Abilities
Scale score in the elevated (e.g., Problem Risk) range provides
considerable insight into co-determinants while suggesting possible
intervention programs like stress management. An offender scoring in the
Severe Problem (90th to 100th percentile) range should be
referred to a mental health specialist for further evaluation, diagnosis
and a treatment plan.
We know that stress exacerbates emotional and mental health problems. The Stress Coping
Abilities Scale is a non-introversive way to screen for established (diagnosable) mental
health problems. Stress coping problems can have a direct impact on a person's driving.
A particularly unstable and perilous driving situation involves an elevated Stress Coping Abilities
Scale with an elevated Alcohol Scale, Drugs Scale or Driver Risk Scale.
Poor driving abilities along with substance abuse in an emotionally
reactive person who doesn't handle stress well operationally defines a
dangerous driver. The higher the elevation of
these scales, the worse the prognosis. The Stress
Coping Abilities Scale can be interpreted independently or in
combination with other DRI-II scales.
* * * * *
In conclusion, it was noted that several levels of DRI-II interpretation are possible. They range
from viewing the DRI-II as a self-report to interpreting scale
elevations and inter-relationships. Staff can then put a DUI/DWI
offender's DRI-II findings within the context of the offenders driving situation.
The DRI-II Example Report is presented for your review. Each DRI-II report is organized
around the same outline or format, yet these reports are highly
individualized. Each report is 3 pages in length. And, all DRI-II reports are saved and printed
within 2½ minutes on-site.
Additional information can be provided upon request by writing:
Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. P.O. Box 44828 Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828.
Our telephone number is (602) 234-3506
Our fax number is (602) 266-8227
and our e-mail address is
sheryl@riskandneeds.com.
