The authors interviewed two groups of drivers, one dependent on alcohol and the other on drugs other than alcohol. Questions covered a) type of substance consumed, b) possession of vehicle, c) frequency of driving, d) speeding, e) changes in driving behaviour such as increased risk taking, f) accident history and g) driving behaviour of social group. Although broadly similar, the results did show a greater desire to drive, to drive whilst under the influence and to drive at speed in the group dependent on drugs other than alcohol. The alcohol-dependent group were more likely to adapt their driving behaviour to the situation. It is considered that the subjects dependent on drugs showed more features in commom with the Sensation Seeking Personality dimension, were less adapted to the addiction and would take more risks. This could have implications for traffic regulations.
Abstract