The Rand Corporation, which conducted the study, say the 24/7 program is helping to reduce repeat DUI arrests and domestic violence arrests.  The study examined the first six years of the 24/7 Sobriety Project in South Dakota.  And it concluded that it reduced repeat DUIs by 12 percent and domestic violence arrests by 9 percent.  Lila Doud, with the Pennington County Mothers Against Drunk Driving, says the 24/7 Project is not a cure/all, but it is a useful tool.  Lila Doud says, "I just think it's another good tool. We have to use all the tools we can use, to keep our streets and highways safe."Under the South Dakota 24/7 Project, those arrested of alcohol-related offenses can be required to wear continuous alcohol monitoring devices or be tested twice a day.  But some judges elect to require testing only once a day. Lila Doud says, in her opinion, some judges don't take the threat of drunk driving seriously enough.  The study, funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, was authored by Paul Heaton and Greg Midgette, who say more study is needed to find out if positive incentives, added to the program, might improve its effectiveness further.

Al Van Zee