Associations between trait impulsivity facets and alcohol-impaired driving risk perceptions

Individuals high in trait impulsivity are more likely to engage in risky behaviors following alcohol consumption, one of the most dangerous of which being alcohol-impaired driving (AID). While some work has shown specific facets of trait impulsivity are differentially related to AID risk, little is known about the mechanisms by which these impulsive facets influence decision making about driving while impaired by alcohol. This study tested the association between multifaceted impulsivity constructs and AID risk perceptions while under intoxication.

In a laboratory alcohol administration study, 78 young adult (55% female, M_age = 23.9) moderate drinkers completed measures of AID risk perceptions following a dose of alcohol calibrated to reach a peak breath alcohol concentration of 0.10%. We tested the association of UPPS-P impulsivity facets with AID risk perceptions across the breath alcohol concentration curve and with self-reported AID.

Under intoxication, individuals higher in urgency (negative and positive) and lack of premeditation rated AID as less dangerous and individuals higher in urgency were more likely to report willingness to engage in AID.

These findings suggest that distinct impulsivity facets, particularly urgency, impact risk perceptions while impaired by alcohol. More research is needed to understand how these altered risk perceptions relate to engagement in actual risk behavior in real-world environments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).