NCJ Number
161211
Journal
Journal of Studies on Alcohol Volume: 56 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1995) Pages: 403-407
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This survey analyzed patterns of alcohol consumption among Spanish drivers and evaluated possible repercussions on road safety policies, based on a sample of 12,000 drivers over 16 years of age randomly selected from the National Register of Spanish Drivers.
Abstract
The questionnaire included items on sociodemographic status, driving patterns, and alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption frequency in the 6 months preceding the survey, type and quantity of alcoholic drinks consumed during the week prior to the survey, age at which subject started drinking, and drinking and driving patterns were assessed. Questionnaires were mailed to selected drivers in the fall of 1993, and the survey was based on 1,500 individuals (1,016 men and 484 women) who properly completed questionnaires. Among those surveyed, 62.9 percent were regular drinkers who had a mean daily alcohol intake of 46.9 grams. Of regular drinkers, 26.8 percent drank at a dangerous level. Those who drove regularly were more likely to drink and had a higher alcohol intake. Most drinkers recognized they drove after drinking, and 14.3 percent even acknowledged they drove in a drunken state on some occasions. Those who drank showed a high level of involvement in traffic accidents. Survey findings indicate widespread consumption of alcohol by Spanish drivers and the need to develop and improve drinking and driving policies in Spain. 13 references and 3 tables