In-depth interviews with 48 male convicted drink drivers, 54.2% with multiple convictions, gave 80 offences to analyse. For 28.75% conviction is a 'fair cop' but for many of these there is no accurate knowledge of the link between alcohol intake and BAC. When this is allied to a further 21.25% who would have behaved differently had they had sound alcohol information it points to the importance of improving alcohol education for all drivers. A further 17.5% were going through emotional times in which they were unable to think straight and a further 5% with minds preoccupied took decisions to drive which they may not otherwise have done. A further 11.25% had drunk too much to take or stay with a safe decision and chose to drive. In 6.25% cases the intention to leave the car was changed and for 10% there was no intent but technical offences were committed. The implications for public policy are explored.
Abstract