Exploring an Alternative Transportation Program to Reduce Impaired Driving

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15254822001PDFResearch PaperStewart, KathrynPiper, DouglasKing, MonicaPacific Institute for Research and EvaluationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Office of Research and Traffic Records. Research and Evaluation DivisionUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationWisconsinAutomobile driversDriversHuman factors in accidentsDrunk driversImpaired driversTraffic safetyAccidentsGround transportation accidentsDOT-HS-809-364DTNH-22-95-R-05007Final report; 1995-2001.This study assessed the impact of an alternate ride home for persons who wanted to plan ahead for instances when they may be too impaired to drive, specifically targeting persons between the ages of 29 and 49. First, a series of focus groups was conducted to examine perceptions, opinion, attitudes, and beliefs about impaired driving and explored attitudes about the importance of family, jobs, and friendships in making decisions about drinking and driving and staying in control. Based on the focus group findings, the researchers chose a work place program to evaluate because of the connection that exists between drinking and driving and potential negative consequences for workers' careers. Two firms in Dane County, Wisconsin agreed to participate in the program, called CareFare, by promoting this program in their work place. One employer was a bank and the other was a manufacturing company. The appeal of workplace programs designed to prevent drinking and driving is that they are good business. Avoiding a crash is good for everyone, driver and employer alike. From an employer's point of view, lost time due to injury results in reduced productivity regardless of where or when the crash occurs. Some drawbacks were identified. One potential problem is that impaired driving is a sensitive issue when compared to other health concerns that might be addressed at the work place. The two employers in this program expressed concern that providing CareFare coupons might imply that eitherthey condoned heavy drinking or that they believed their employees habitually became too impaired to drive. Surveys conducted after the program found that there was very little awareness of the program among employees of the two participating companies.129