Identification of driving while intoxicated behavior patterns and methods for change

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15251461982PDFResearch PaperBehrens, Clifford A.Berger, Raymond M.Berger, Frances R.Psychometrics Inc.United States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesDrunk drivingAdolescentsTeenage driversBehaviorCountermeasuresFocus groupsDOT-HS-EPX-029NTIS-PB83217083DOT-HS-6-01466Final reportThe purpose of this study was to identify patterns of behavior leading to driving while intoxicated (DWI), and to propose countermeasures for altering these patterns before they result in DWI. Two samples were studied: Los Angeles high school students representing the population of principal interest in this report, 16 to 18 year olds, and convicted DWIs, a comparison group. The study began with a literature review to find other research that dealt with DWI behavior patterns. The behavioral and situational variables, identified in the literature as being associated with DWI, were discussed with 12 focus group meetings of high school students and 11 meetings of convicted DWIs. The final report presents the predominant behavior patterns that emerged from the focus group discussions in both samples. The convergent views of both groups underlie the recommendation for DWI countermeasures given in this report. Both groups strongly urged countermeasures that would emphasize the teaching of planning methods, enabling individuals to avoid driving after drinking. /Abstract from report summary page/129