This research examined the contributions of several prevention-relevant measures to traffic fatality rates (alcohol-related and total) in US states in 1982 and 1990, as well as to changes between those years. Using ordinary least squares regression procedures, alcohol-related and total fatality rates were regressed onto per capita consumption of alcohol and rates of drinking driving arrests, alcohol abuse treatment and AA membership for each of the two years. As well, for each measure, relative change between the two years was calculated and similar regression analysis performed. For each year, alcohol-related and total fatality rates demonstrated significant positive relationships with per capita consumption of alcohol and drinking-driving arrest rates, and significant negative relationships with AA membership rates. Changes in alcohol-related and total fatality rates were significantly associated with changes in per capita consumption rates. The importance of these observations for understanding and preventing impaired driving will be discussed. (A)
Abstract