Behavior and perceptions related to drink-driving among an international sample of company vehicle drivers

The study examined reported behavior, perceptions and attitudes related to drink-driving among company vehicle drivers located across eight countries. An additional aim of the research was to identify important predictors of drink-driving.

A cross-sectional mailshot questionnaire survey was undertaken on all drivers of company vehicle identified by the collaborating companies. Responses to items concerning reported drink-driving, perceived consumption limits, perceived risk and reported restraint were examined for a total of 600 male drivers, representing an overall response rate of 55%.

Driving after any alcohol consumption was found to be relatively common across most of the sample, while driving when over the legal limit at least once in the previous 12 months was reported by approximately one-third of the drivers. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the strongest predictors of reported drink-driving behavior were associated with perceived limits of personal alcohol consumption and a "moral attachment" to non-drink-driving associated with alcohol consumption restraint. This general prediction model seemed to be relatively consistent across the different national groups.

The results suggest that longer term cognitive components of decision making such as "moral attachment" may form fundamental elements in the decision to drive after excessive drinking. It was suggested that company-based policies and programs may have a useful role in promoting safer driving practices, particularly in relation to driving after drinking.