This study assessed prevalence of driving under the influence ofalcohol and marijuana among a sample of 18 and 21 year olds and examined the across-time relationships between intoxicated driving and consumption, risktaking/impulsive orientation, negative intrapersonal state, stress and use of alcohol and other drugs to cope with problems. The data showed that at least a minimum level of drinking driving, as well as smoking marijuana and driving, is engaged in at least once for the majority of youth. The studies also indicated that that frequency of substance use was strongly related to frequency of driving while intoxicated (dwi). It was found that coping use of substances was the strongest predictor of driving under the influence. Model study results showed that risk-taking orientation was the strongest predictor of dwi, both directly and indirectly (as mediated through coping use). Findings suggest that impaired driving may be part of a global syndrome of risk-taking behavior and is an activity engaged in most often by those who frequently use alcohol and other drugs to cope with problems.
Abstract