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Results for “Driving Under the Influence”

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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Drink-driving and DUI recidivists' attitudes and beliefs: a longitudinal analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Cross-sectional survey research has shown correlations between drink-driving behavior and people's beliefs concerning the riskiness, social acceptability and morality of driving under the influence of alcohol. The current study examines the association between such beliefs and subsequent alcohol-impaired driving in a sample of offenders who were driving under the influence (DUI). METHOD: Repeated interviews were conducted with 182 multiple DUI offenders. Baseline data included measures of moral and prescriptive beliefs concerning alcohol-impaired driving (internal behavioral controls), perceived risks of criminal punishment and crashes associated with alcohol-impaired driving (external behavioral controls) and perceived peer-group attitudes toward alcohol-impaired driving (social control). The dependent variable in the study was a measure of self-reported alcohol-impaired driving over the preceding 2 years, collected at 2-year follow-up from baseline. RESULTS: Results from multiple regression modeling showed significant protective effects associated with the beliefs that driving after drinking is immoral and that random police sobriety checks are a good idea (internal control items). Results also showed that a social desirability control measure was predictive of increased risk, at follow-up, for driving after drinking. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that internal controls may protect against alcohol-impaired driving behavior, even in a high-risk sample of repeat DUI offenders. The results also suggest that future policy interventions to curtail drink-driving might profitably be designed to promote these sorts of behavioral controls.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Flunitrazepam and driving ability].

Major contributions to the investigation of the influence of drugs on driving ability come from experimental studies as apart from epidemiological studies. Regarding experimental studies, the results of a single study are essentially determined by the experimental design. An established assessment of the risk of a drug in regard to driving ability should not be based on either a single study or on synopses, which record only a few studies without detailed information. This article presents an overview of published studies that directly or indirectly deal with the influence of flunitrazepam on driving ability. Benzodiazepines in particular, and amongst these especially flunitrazepam are brought into connection with the impairment of driving ability. This approach emphasises differences regarding the dosages used, the experimental designs and the methods of testing. For reasons of clarity the article on flunitrazepam is subdivided into the topics of acute effects, residual effects, and effects after subchronic application. Different results are reported. A statistical analysis in terms of a meta-analysis was not carried out due to a lack of standardization of the studies.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗

PubMed2005

Perception of road accident causes.

A theoretical two-dimensional model on prevalence and risk was developed. The objective of this study was to validate this model empirically to answer three questions: How do European drivers perceive the importance of several causes of road accidents? Are there important differences in perceptions between member states? Do these perceptions reflect the real significance of road accident causes? Data were collected from 23 countries, based on representative national samples of at least 1000 respondents each (n=24,372). Face-to-face interviews with fully licensed, active car drivers were conducted using a questionnaire containing closed answer questions. Respondents were asked to rate 15 causes of road accidents, each using a six-point ordinal scale. The answers were analyzed by calculating Kendall's tau for each pair of items to form lower triangle similarity matrices per country and for Europe as a whole. These matrices were then used as the input files for an individual difference scaling to draw a perceptual map of the 15 items involved. The hypothesized model on risk and prevalence fits the data well and enabled us to answer the three questions of concern. The subject space of the model showed that there are no relevant differences between the 23 countries. The group space of the model comprises four quadrants, each containing several items (high perceived risk/low perceived prevalence items; high perceived risk/high perceived prevalence items; low perceived risk/high perceived prevalence items and low perceived risk/low perceived prevalence items). Finally, perceptions of the items driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and medicines and driving using a handheld or hands-free mobile phone are discussed with regard to their real significance in causing road accidents. To conclude, individual difference scaling offers some promising possibilities to study drivers' perception of road accident causes.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed2005

Unsafe driving in North American automobile commercials.

BACKGROUND: Motor-vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a leading cause of death of young Americans and Canadians. Aggressive driving and driving at high speed are frequently cited as contributing to crashes. Consumer and safety associations have raised concern that driving behaviour portrayed in automobile commercials may influence consumer-driving behaviour. However, the prevalence of aggressive driving in automobile commercials has not been systematically evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence and types of unsafe driving that are portrayed in United States and Canadian televised automobile commercials as well as the use of safety promotion and disclaimers. DESIGN: All English language automobile and truck commercials (>or=30 seconds in length), airing nationally on major broadcast and cable networks in either the United States or Canada during January or July between 1998 and 2002 were assessed by three independent raters for the presence and type of unsafe driving activity, presence of safety promotion and the use of written disclaimers in each commercial. RESULTS: Of 250 total commercials, 113 (45 per cent) contained an unsafe driving sequence as determined by at least two of three raters. Unanimous agreement as to the presence of an unsafe driving sequence was found in 63 (25 per cent) commercials. Aggressive driving accounted for 85 per cent of the unsafe driving sequences, including 56 per cent with speed violations. Safety promotion was present in 30 (12 per cent) commercials. Of 141 commercials in which the gender /sex of the driver was shown, 115 (81 per cent) displayed a male driver. CONCLUSION: Unsafe driving is prevalent in North American automobile commercials. Given the extent to which MVCs are a public health and economic concern, this finding seems in conflict with responsible advertising. The degree to which the portrayal of driving in automobile commercials affects consumer-driving behaviour should be an area of further investigation.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed1994

Mandated AA attendance for recidivist drinking drivers: ideology, organization, and California criminal justice practices.

This paper examines 2877 municipal court drunk driving cases sampled from 1982 to 1989 in four California sites. Recidivist drinking drivers were those charged with driving under the influence and having two or more drunk driving convictions on their records. In two sites, virtually no AA referrals were made. In the others, in addition to jail terms and fines, judges ordered attendance at meetings of AA for 37-41% of cases. Referral to AA was unrelated to blood alcohol level or number of prior drinking driving convictions. In one AA-referring site, the data indicate that over 75% of drinking drivers convicted in the 1988-89 period were referred to AA by a judge or county probation or parole officer. These findings suggest that, as a whole, California sentencing policies lack a coherent framework. Instead of reflecting information on program effectiveness and offenders' needs, variation in sentencing appears to mark differences in local fiscal circumstances, levels of jail crowding and ideological orientations of judges and other officials. It is suggested that referral practices could have an adverse impact on both individuals' alcohol problems and on recovery programs.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Factors associated with planned avoidance of alcohol-impaired driving in high-risk men.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the factors associated with planning to avoid alcohol-impaired driving and successful avoidance in high-risk young men. METHOD: A targeted telephone survey was conducted with male drivers aged 21-35 years who consume alcohol and live in areas of the country where alcohol-related traffic fatalities occur frequently (N = 750). Heavy episodic drinking drivers (i.e., report driving after consuming five or more drinks) were oversampled (N = 230). Respondents were surveyed to assess their attitudes, behavior and social support regarding drinking-driving. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression revealed that men who believe they can consume six drinks or more before it is too dangerous for them to drive were 45% less likely to report planning to avoid drinking-driving. Men who believe they can drive safely after heavy episodic drinking were 61% less likely to be successful in avoiding drinking-driving. Having friends who disapprove of driving after heavy episodic drinking and believing a close friend would be successful in preventing drinking-driving were significantly associated with making plans to avoid drinking-driving, although this association was less strong for successful avoidance. Men who had their wife/girlfriend along when they were out drinking were two and one-half times more likely to make plans to avoid drinking-driving. The presence of a wife or girlfriend was an even stronger predictor (multivariate odds ratio = 3.74) of successful avoidance. CONCLUSIONS: Attitude and social factors are associated with drinking-driving avoidance in a group of young men at risk for alcohol-related driving fatalities. Friends and wives/girlfriends appear to influence drinking-driving avoidance behavior in high-risk drinking drivers.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Cannabis and automobile driving].

Cannabis use has increased considerably during the last 15 years. One of the major problems dealing with cannabis use is driving under the influence of drugs. With the exception of ethyl alcohol, the majority of the epidemiological studies have shown that cannabis is the most frequently detected substance in people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. Experimental studies are therefore needed to assess cannabis effects on driving capability. Many studies indicate that cannabis impairs psychomotor performance. This impairment becomes obvious when high doses of cannabis are taken, when ethyl alcohol or other drugs are simultaneously ingested, or when sustained attention is needed. Moreover, cannabis effects are qualitatively different from those observed after ethyl alcohol consumption. In forensic practice, cannabis impairment of driving performance must be related to cannabinoids blood concentrations. To facilitate the interpretation of cannabinoids blood levels, several models were set up recently. These models must be further improved in order to fit in with all circumstances of cannabis use.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of driving capability through the use of clinical and psychomotor tests in relation to blood cannabinoids levels following oral administration of 20 mg dronabinol or of a cannabis decoction made with 20 or 60 mg Delta9-THC.

Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is frequently found in the blood of drivers suspected of driving under the influence of cannabis or involved in traffic crashes. The present study used a double-blind crossover design to compare the effects of medium (16.5 mg THC) and high doses (45.7 mg THC) of hemp milk decoctions or of a medium dose of dronabinol (20 mg synthetic THC, Marinol on several skills required for safe driving. Forensic interpretation of cannabinoids blood concentrations were attempted using the models proposed by Daldrup (cannabis influencing factor or CIF) and Huestis and coworkers. First, the time concentration-profiles of THC, 11-hydroxy-Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) (active metabolite of THC), and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH) in whole blood were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-negative ion chemical ionization. Compared to smoking studies, relatively low concentrations were measured in blood. The highest mean THC concentration (8.4 ng/mL) was achieved 1 h after ingestion of the strongest decoction. Mean maximum 11-OH-THC level (12.3 ng/mL) slightly exceeded that of THC. THCCOOH reached its highest mean concentration (66.2 ng/mL) 2.5-5.5 h after intake. Individual blood levels showed considerable intersubject variability. The willingness to drive was influenced by the importance of the requested task. Under significant cannabinoids influence, the participants refused to drive when they were asked whether they would agree to accomplish several unimportant tasks, (e.g., driving a friend to a party). Most of the participants reported a significant feeling of intoxication and did not appreciate the effects, notably those felt after drinking the strongest decoction. Road sign and tracking testing revealed obvious and statistically significant differences between placebo and treatments. A marked impairment was detected after ingestion of the strongest decoction. A CIF value, which relies on the molar ratio of main active to inactive cannabinoids, greater than 10 was found to correlate with a strong feeling of intoxication. It also matched with a significant decrease in the willingness to drive, and it matched also with a significant impairment in tracking performances. The mathematic model II proposed by Huestis et al. (1992) provided at best a rough estimate of the time of oral administration with 27% of actual values being out of range of the 95% confidence interval. The sum of THC and 11-OH-THC blood concentrations provided a better estimate of impairment than THC alone. This controlled clinical study points out the negative influence on fitness to drive after medium or high dose oral THC or dronabinol.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1978

The breathing pattern after breath-holding: the influence of chest position and the drive to breathe.

The pattern of breathing following the breaking-point of sixty breath-holds has been studied in five healthy adults and compared with the pattern during recovery from CO2-rebreathing. The volume and direction of the first respiratory movement, and the VT, V relation for the first four complete breaths was measured. Only when breath-holds were terminated with an inspiration was the accumulated drive to breathe reflected in an increased volume of the first respiratory movement: terminating expirations simply returned the chest to the resting respiratory level. The volume of the first inspiration was not influenced by the intervention of a terminating expiration, suggesting that expiratory movements do not dissipate the non-chemical component of the drive to breathe. In three of the five subjects the tidal volumes for given levels of ventilation were greater following breath-holding than following rebreathing. This altered pattern of breathing has been interpreted in terms of an insiratory-augmenting reflex.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Raising healthy children: examining the impact of promoting healthy driving behavior within a social development intervention.

This study evaluated the impact of two targeted family sessions focused on driving issues delivered within the context of the Raising Healthy Children project. The Raising Healthy Children project began in the fall of 1993, drawing students in the 1st or 2nd grades from 10 schools. Schools were assigned to an intervention or control condition, and the school-wide, family- and student-focused preventive intervention to address developmentally salient risk and protective factors was delivered during elementary and middle school. The family driving sessions were administered to families in the intervention condition prior to and after teenagers received their driver's license. The first session consisted of a home visit with families designed to help parents and their children improve decision-making skills concerning driving and to develop clear standards and expectations regarding driving-related behavior. A second session, at the time of licensure, was designed to help parents and teens develop a written contract that stated family expectations, a plan for monitoring compliance with these expectations, and consequences for compliance or non-compliance. Consistent with the study's group-randomized design, intervention effects were assessed with multi-level logistic regression models in which students were grouped by their original school assignment. These models assessed specific effects of the driving sessions by adjusting for control variables measured when students were in 8th grade, prior to the driving sessions. Results indicated that students in the intervention group were more likely than students in the control group to report that they had a written driving contract (p = .003, OR = 4.98), and had participated in making the driving rules in the family (p = .025, OR = 1.70). Further, students in the intervention group reported significantly fewer risky behaviors including driving under the influence of alcohol (p = .021, OR = .45) and driving with someone who had been drinking (p = .038, OR = .56).

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed2002

Outlets, drinking and driving: a multilevel analysis of availability.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the degree to which the physical availability of alcohol as measured by outlet densities is related to self-reported individual drinking patterns, preferred drinking location, as well as both driving after drinking (DAD) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). METHOD: Data from 7,826 drinkers were obtained from a general-population telephone survey of 1,353 zip code areas in California. Measures of individual alcohol consumption included drinking frequency, drinks per occasion and variance in quantities consumed per occasion. Preferred drinking locations included bars, restaurants and the homes of drinkers and of their friends. DAD was defined as driving a motor vehicle within 4 hours of having one or more alcoholic drinks, and DWI was defined as driving after having too much to drink and drive safely. Geographic measures of outlet densities were obtained for bars, restaurants and off-premises establishments, using zip codes as geographic units of analysis. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to relate outlet densities within and surrounding respondents' area of residence to respondents' drinking and to respondents' drinking and driving. RESULTS: Whereas restaurant densities were directly related to greater drinking frequencies and DAD, bar densities were inversely related to DAD. There were no direct effects of drinking patterns on drinking and driving. Drinking and driving was strongly related to drinking location preference (e.g., bars and restaurants) only when considered simultaneously with individual drinking patterns, particularly drinking frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Increased restaurant density is strongly related to higher rates of both self-reported driving after drinking and drinking frequency. The strongest influence on both driving after drinking and driving while intoxicated is preferred drinking location considered together with individual drinking patterns. Outlet density and preferred drinking location when considered together with individual drinking patterns support driving after drinking and thereby increase the potential for alcohol-related accidents.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Comparative and joint prediction of DUI recidivism from alcohol ignition interlock and driver records.

OBJECTIVE: This work was conducted to find practical predictors that anticipate which driving under the influence (DUI) offenders will continue to drink and drive after a period of alcohol ignition interlock-controlled driving ends. The interlock prevents impaired driving by requiring a low blood alcohol concentration (BAC) breath sample before allowing an engine to start. Each breath test is recorded. The study evaluated the interlock record as a predictor of future DUI offenses relative to driver records and self-report items. METHOD: Subjects were 2,273 DUI offenders in Alberta, Canada, who used an interlock to gain full reinstatement of driving privileges; for 2,134, the installed periods ranged from 5 to 30 months. A median of 8.1 breath tests was logged for each installed day; 9.9 tests were taken on each day of vehicle use (4.3 starts plus 5.6 running retests). Predictors of postinterlock repeat DUI were compared by sensitivity and survival analyses. RESULTS: Although 69% of all interlock users had at least one BAC test > or = .04% (a "fail" test) within the first 5 months, only 9% were reconvicted up to 4 years after interlock removal. Failed interlock tests proportional to all BAC tests taken was the best predictor of driver recidivism risk during the years following interlock removal. CONCLUSION: The interlock record provides new information, particularly about drivers with no prior DUI offenses. Prior moving violations and driving while suspended convictions, although better predictors than questionnaire data, were poorer than interlock records and prior DUI offenses. The alcohol interlock, already recognized as a useful control device, warrants attention for DUI prediction as well.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Adolescents in high-risk trajectory: clustering of risky behavior and the origins of socioeconomic health differentials.

BACKGROUND: We have evaluated high-risk behavior of adolescents 12 to 17 years of age on the basis of seven binomial psychosocial variables in order to assess whether there is a tendency of these variables to cluster in the same individuals and to identify socioeconomic covariates of risky behavior. METHODS: Study participants were 547 adolescents from four high schools in Greece: two in rural areas, one in an upper-medium socioeconomic class areas, and one in a low-to-medium socioeconomic class area of Athens. Clustering was assessed by evaluating concordance of high-risk attributes examined in pairs, and was expressed as a series of odds ratios (ORs) as well as by factor analysis. RESULTS: All but one OR were higher than the null value, but they were particularly high with respect to smoking and nonuse of safety belts (OR = 3.2, P < 10(-4)), smoking and binge drinking (OR = 3.3, P < 10(-4)), smoking and riding with a drunk driver (OR = 5.3, P = 10(-4)), smoking and driving under the influence of alcohol (OR = 9.7, P < 10(-4)), nonuse of oral contraceptives and riding a car with a drunk driver (OR = 15.4, P = 0.002), and driving under the influence of alcohol and riding with a drunk driver (OR = 18.6, P < 10(-4)). Factor analysis indicated that risky behavior could be explained in terms of two component factors, namely carelessness in the context of self interest and irresponsible sexual behavior. A composite index integrating information of all seven high-risk indicators regressed on sociodemographic characteristics showed that risky behavior increased sharply with age and was concentrated strongly in the low-education families and the lower income areas. CONCLUSIONS: Several aspects of high-risk behavior tend to aggregate in the same individuals, and the clustering pattern has already been developed by late adolescence, mostly among the less privileged families and population groups. It appears that socioeconomic class health differentials may have strong roots in late adolescence.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Flunitrazepam: psychomotor impairment, agitation and paradoxical reactions.

Benzodiazepines are sedatives used for anxiolysis, hypnosis, muscle relaxation and the treatment of epilepsy. Paradoxical reactions including agitation, talkativeness, confusion, disinhibition, aggression, violent behavior and loss of impulse control may, however, occur in some subjects. It has been claimed that high doses of flunitrazepam may cause aggression on a more regular basis in all individuals. The present study makes use of a Norwegian forensic toxicological database containing analytical results from drivers suspected of driving under the influence and suspects of violent crime to analyze the relationship between behavior and blood flunitrazepam concentration. Four-hundred and fifteen cases of drivers suspected of driving under the influence and seven cases of suspects of violent crime were studied. These selected cases had flunitrazepam as the only drug in blood samples and had been evaluated by a clinical test for impairment (CTI) performed by a police physician at the time of blood sampling. The impaired drivers had higher blood flunitrazepam concentrations than the not impaired drivers. Multivariate analysis revealed that both blood flunitrazepam concentration and age of the suspected drivers had independent impact on impairment, indicating tolerance with age. Most of the effects measured were sedative effects of flunitrazepam and these effects were related to flunitrazepam level. Possible paradoxical reactions were observed in a subgroup of 23 individuals (6%), but these reactions did not relate to blood flunitrazepam concentration. The suspects of violent crime showed similar degree impairment and had not more paradoxical reactions than the suspected drugged drivers. The findings were in agreement with other research that claims paradoxical reactions should be viewed as a reaction in certain individuals, and does not support the notion that flunitrazepam in high concentration produces aggression in all individuals taking the drug.

Adult↗

PubMed2024

A systematic strategy for identifying causal single nucleotide polymorphisms and their target genes on Juvenile arthritis risk haplotypes.

BACKGROUND: Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple regions conferring genetic risk for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), we are still faced with the task of identifying the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the disease haplotypes that exert the biological effects that confer risk. Until we identify the risk-driving variants, identifying the genes influenced by these variants, and therefore translating genetic information to improved clinical care, will remain an insurmountable task. We used a function-based approach for identifying causal variant candidates and the target genes on JIA risk haplotypes. METHODS: We used a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) in myeloid K562 cells to query the effects of 5,226 SNPs in non-coding regions on JIA risk haplotypes for their ability to alter gene expression when compared to the common allele. The assay relies on 180 bp oligonucleotide reporters ("oligos") in which the allele of interest is flanked by its cognate genomic sequence. Barcodes were added randomly by PCR to each oligo to achieve > 20 barcodes per oligo to provide a quantitative read-out of gene expression for each allele. Assays were performed in both unstimulated K562 cells and cells stimulated overnight with interferon gamma (IFNg). As proof of concept, we then used CRISPRi to demonstrate the feasibility of identifying the genes regulated by enhancers harboring expression-altering SNPs. RESULTS: We identified 553 expression-altering SNPs in unstimulated K562 cells and an additional 490 in cells stimulated with IFNg. We further filtered the SNPs to identify those plausibly situated within functional chromatin, using open chromatin and H3K27ac ChIPseq peaks in unstimulated cells and open chromatin plus H3K4me1 in stimulated cells. These procedures yielded 42 unique SNPs (total = 84) for each set. Using CRISPRi, we demonstrated that enhancers harboring MPRA-screened variants in the TRAF1 and LNPEP/ERAP2 loci regulated multiple genes, suggesting complex influences of disease-driving variants. CONCLUSION: Using MPRA and CRISPRi, JIA risk haplotypes can be queried to identify plausible candidates for disease-driving variants. Once these candidate variants are identified, target genes can be identified using CRISPRi informed by the 3D chromatin structures that encompass the risk haplotypes.

Humans↗

PubMed1993

Drinking and driving: intentions, attitudes, and social norms of Swedish male drivers.

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate factors influencing drivers' decisions to drive after alcohol consumption. Male, Swedish, non-teetotal drivers aged 18 to 54 years (N = 1085) answered a questionnaire concerning their experience of drunken driving. The Ajzen and Fishbein model for explaining behavioral intentions from attitudes and social norms was used as a theoretical guideline in design of questionnaire and analysis of data. LISREL analyses suggested a causal model (which was crossvalidated) where intentions to drink and drive were influenced by attitudes, evaluation of sanctions, social norms, and drinking habits. Analyses of reports of decision making indicated that perceived probability of detection (and accidents) or need for transport, tied to specific situations, were important factors for drivers' decisions to drive or not after alcohol consumption.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Testing for benzodiazepine inebriation--relationship between benzodiazepine concentration and simple clinical tests for impairment in a sample of drugged drivers.

OBJECTIVE: To study how the various 25 subtests and observations of the Norwegian clinical test for impairment related to the blood benzodiazepine concentrations of apprehended drivers suspected of driving under the influence of benzodiazepines. The impact of single-dose intake in non-daily users of benzodiazepines on the clinical picture of inebriation was also studied. METHODS: Included in the study were 818 drivers suspected of driving under the influence of non-alcoholic drugs with blood samples containing only one benzodiazepine. We determined which of the 25 subtests and observations of the clinical test for impairment related significantly to the blood benzodiazepine concentrations. RESULTS: Significantly related to blood benzodiazepine concentrations were 13 subtests and observations. Of these, 9 withstood adjustment for a variety of background variables. Single dose intake in non-daily users only influenced 3 subtests and observations after adjustment for blood benzodiazepine concentration and background variables. Romberg's test, 1 observation concerning alertness (oriented for time and place), 4 tests on motor and coordination (walk and turn on line, finger-to-nose and finger-to-finger tests), 2 observations on speech (articulation and content) and 1 observation regarding appearance (general conduct) were related to blood benzodiazepine concentrations. CONCLUSION: Many of these simple clinical tests are included in the standardized field sobriety test and are of value in revealing benzodiazepine impairment. The present study offered some possible additions. Combinations of these robust tests can also be used to reveal benzodiazepine inebriation in other contexts.

Automobile Driving↗

PubMed1990

The application of learning theory to driving confidence: the effect of age and the impact of random breath testing.

Despite the dangers, many drivers continue to take risks when driving. This paper outlines an explanation of this risk-taking behavior and the failure of numerous fear-arousing messages to change the manner in which many people drive. Being an occupant in a car and learning to drive may be seen as analogous to systemic desensitization and flooding procedures, in which fear is extinguished and/or a response inconsistent with fear is learned. Once this procedure is complete the fear response is unlikely to be reinstated by messages pointing out possible dangers on the road, because the situations in which the messages are received are usually inappropriate, and many believe that they are superior drivers and therefore not at risk. News presentation of the huge road toll and multiple fatality crashes may only confirm to many people that they are better than average drivers since so many other people have been killed or seriously injured, and they, the superior drivers, have not. A prediction of this account is that driving confidence will increase with increasing age, through the greater on-road fear-reducing experience and increased exposure to the road toll. This prediction was examined in surveys of 2,963 Australian drivers, conducted as part of the evaluation of random breath testing. Respondents were asked to rate their ability as drivers compared with average, and to rate their ability to drive under the influence of alcohol. The overconfidence observed in Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, and the United States was identified in Australian drivers. The predicted increase in confidence with increasing age was supported up to the age of 40 years, after which confidence changed little. Confidence in ability to drive after consuming alcohol increased steadily with age. Finally, it was predicted that the introduction of random breath testing and the associated media campaign partly about the effects of alcohol (which was successful in reducing the road toll) would decrease confidence in ability to drive under the influence of alcohol. Comparison of survey data before and after the introduction of random breath testing did not support this prediction.

Accidents, Traffic↗