Adolescent drinking and driving: etiology and interpretation

In the adolescent population, drinking and driving is an important cause of injury, disability and premature death. A literature review of the demographics and etiology of drinking and drinking/driving reveals: 1) which subgroups of the adolescent population are more likely to drink and drink/drive; 2) where and why adolescents drink and drink/drive; 3) peer and family issues associated with adolescent drinking and drinking/driving; and 4) adolescent expectancies and perceived efficacies associated with drinking and drinking/driving. A discussion of the role of theory and the use of etiologic data in intervention research precedes an overview of several types of school-based alcohol-prevention programs and recommendations for more theory based interventions.