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Demographic Characteristics, Drinking Patterns and Drink-Driving Behavior of Injured Male Drivers and Motorcycle Riders
Oksana T. Holubowycz, Jack McLean
Objective: The demographic characteristics, usual drinking and drink-driving patterns, incidence of problem drinking, precrash drinking behavior and attitudes towards drink-driving of crash-involved male drivers and riders are described and related to blood alcohol concentration (BAG) on admission to hospital. A better understanding of these issues will enable drink-driving countermeasures to target more specifically those individuals who are most at risk of being killed or injured in alcohol-related road crashes. Method: Between June 1985 and April 1987 interviews were conducted with a sample of 302 male drivers and motorcycle riders admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia. Results: With one exception, the likelihood of having a high BAG (i.e., 80 mg/dl or above) did not differ with demographic profile. As BAG increased, there was a significant increase in: various indices of quantity and frequency of drinking; beer being the preferred beverage; percentages drinking alone, in a hotel, in a vehicle and for various less socially acceptable reasons; frequency of drink-driving; likelihood of previous drink-driving suspension; and, more liberal attitudes towards drink-driving. About 25% of those with a BAG of at least 150 mg/dl were probably experiencing alcohol-related problems prior to the crash, compared with only a very small proportion of those with lower BACs. Precrash drinking most commonly involved drinking in a hotel, drinking with friends and drinking beer, with no significant differences between BAG groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that usual drinking and drink-driving patterns, as well as attitudes to drink-driving, become more extreme as the BAG of male crash-involved drivers and riders increases. (J. Stud. Alcohol 56: 513-521, 1995)
