Attitudes and behaviors on alcohol use and impaired driving in adolescents

Underage drinking and driving is a national safety issue. We hypothesized students would have lenient thoughts and behaviors about drinking and driving. The aim of our study was to assess current adolescent behavior and attitudes on alcohol use and driving.

A survey of 40 multiple choice questions was administered to 11th and 12th grade students at an urban, public high school in Los Angeles, California.

Of the 1282 upper class students, 302 completed the survey (127 eleventh graders and 175 twelfth graders; 31% response rate). Overall, 64.2% reported having used alcohol. Significantly more 12th graders than 11th graders had consumed alcohol (71.4% versus 54.3%; P = 0.002); irrespective of gender. Binge drinking was reported by 8.6% of students (11.4% 12th graders vs. 4.7% 11th graders; P = 0.06). Nearly one-half (49.7%) of students indicated they disapproved of binge drinking. Students were more willing to discuss alcohol issues with peers (63.2%) than parents (44.0%) or teachers/counselors (19.5%; P = < 0.001). Most students (88.1%) indicated they would not drive when they had consumed one to two drinks.

Greater than 60% of respondents reported having used alcohol. Students expressed strong concern about alcohol-impaired driving. Binge drinking appears prevalent in high school-aged individuals and increases with age. The lack of communication between students and adults on the topic of alcohol offers opportunity for improvement. Since the number of young drivers injured in alcohol-related crashes remains unacceptably high, more effective prevention strategies are necessary.