A study assessed the effects of victim impact panels (VIP) on first-time DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) offenders in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The VIP is an emotional presentation by the victim or their parents about how they were injured or their child was killed by a drunk driver. Subjects, 350 first-time offenders participated in a Mothers against Drunk Driving victim impact panel, took both pretest and posttest questionnaires measuring emotional state, perception of the riskiness of drinking and driving, and intention to drink and drive. Information was elicited as to the socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects. Typical VIP participant is a working-class male with a fairly modest income. Findings contradict the stereotype of DWI offenders as alcoholics--rather, they appear to be individuals who make poor choices. Participants reported being strongly affected by the VIP sessions. Most said they would not drink and drive again and were convinced that drinking and driving was very risky. Drinking and driving is a serious social and health problem, and several strategies have been tried nationally and locally in New Mexico (the leader in drinking and driving fatalities in the United States) to reduce DWI recidivism. Legal interventions have only provided short-term deterrence to drinking and driving. The predominantly informal approach used by DWI schools appears to be ineffective in reducing DWI recidivism. (Includes 5 tables and 1 figure of data; contains 30 references. (PA)