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At-risk drinkers use safe ride services to avoid drinking and driving
B D Caudill1, W M Harding, B A Moore
1Center for Studies on Alcohol, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. caudilib1@westat.com
Journal of Substance Abuse
|September 16, 2000
Summary
Individuals at high risk for driving while intoxicated (DWI) do use safe rides (SRs). These programs effectively reach heavy drinkers, suggesting potential for DWI prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Transportation Safety
- Alcohol Research
Background:
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI) remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the utilization of alternative transportation by high-risk individuals is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if individuals at high risk for DWI utilize safe rides (SRs).
- To assess the characteristics of high-risk drinkers who use SRs.
Main Methods:
- Barroom surveys (N=472) and in situ breath tests (N=51) were conducted.
- Bivariate analyses and logistic regression compared SR users to non-users.
Main Results:
- SR users were more likely to be heavy drinkers and have higher estimated blood alcohol concentrations (BACs).
- SR users reported more frequent drinking outside the home, driving while intoxicated, and prior DWI arrests.
- SR users were more likely to use designated drivers (DDs).
Conclusions:
- Safe ride programs successfully attract drinkers at high risk for DWI.
- Further research is needed to understand the decision-making processes of at-risk drinkers regarding drinking and driving.