About the UTL program Under the Limit is an 11 week drink driving prevention and rehabilitation program that is offered through the magistrates courts in association with a probation order or on legal or self referral. Under the Limit is taught in local TAFE colleges and select Probation and Parole District Offices over 11 weekly sessions of one and a half hours each. Since commencement in 1993, over 8,300 offenders have been referred to UTL. In conjunction with government the program is managed by senior road safety research staff at the Queensland University of Technology’s Centre for Accident research and Road Safety - Queensland. This group of people work in a formal collaborative process with representatives from government departments such as Magistrates, Community Safety, Transport, TAFE and Police to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program. Probation and Parole Officers supervise all offenders on probation orders on the program and there are rules to ensure the program is completed in a satisfactory manner. These rules include punctuality and compulsory attendance, worksheet completion and appropriate behaviour standards. Under the Limit has recently been revised and updated. The revised program now, to a greater extent, focuses on offenders devising solutions to avoid drink driving that are most appropriate to their own circumstances. It focuses on reducing alcohol consumption by placing it in the context of lifestyle problems, such as lack of exercise, diet, stress, friendships and the family. A 5 year evaluation completed in 1997 showed Under the Limit can, if successfully completed, decrease drink driving behaviour for the most serious offenders (those with multiple convictions and BACS above 0.15). A recent review of completion rates showed that over 80% of offenders successfully complete the course. Contact detailsEnquiries can be directed to Sue Taylor of CARRS-Q, on 07 3138 8447 or email utladmin@qut.edu.au. |
