In this paper studies on factors associated with drinking and driving are reviewed. Three types of studies are examined: descriptive studies; studies with comparison groups but no control for potential confounders; and studies examining the characteristics of DWI offenders, controlling for confounders. Each study type provides different types of information, useful for interventions. The first type of studies with descriptive information about DWI offenders reveal that DWI offenders are more likely to be male, 37 to 42 years of age, and alcohol dependent. The second type of studies that utilize comparison groups of licensed drivers provides more detail about specific groups at risk for DWI. Results from this type of study show that the groups at highest risk for DWI are more likely to be male, less educated, of lower socio-economic status, and between 20 and 35 years of age. They are more likely to be alcohol dependent, binge drinkers, aggressive, impulsive, depressed, have negative attitudes towards the law and experience more stressful life events. Finally, the third type of study reveals more information about the possible causes of DWI. Studies in this group usually involve restricting samples by gender, sampling only alcoholics, or statistically controlling for confounders of age and gender. Many variables that were risk factors in the second group of studies disappeared as predictors of DWI when controlling for confounders. (A)
Abstract