NCJ Number
150776
Journal
Alcohol Drugs and Driving Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1994) Pages: 115-125
Date Published
1994
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The similarities between alcohol-impaired and non- alcohol-impaired drivers are explored.
Abstract
This discussion paper gives a brief overview of information and studies bearing on the question of whether the increased crash risk associated with alcohol is really due to other factors such as the demographics, personality, and drinking behavior of the driver. Several points of view are discussed: traditional studies of alcohol incidence in crashes, alcohol effects on driver performance and crash risk, profiles and behavioral characteristics of drinking drivers, and studies of drinking driver countermeasure efficacy. There is substantial evidence that alcohol increases crash risk for all drivers and that crash risk increases as a driver's blood alcohol content increases. Measures to reduce drinking and driving have successfully reduced crashes, though these measures likely have affected some drivers more than others. A deeper understanding of drinking drivers should lead to measures that can further reduce drinking and driving. The answer to the question posed in the title to this discussion paper is: some, but far fewer. Tables, references