Episodes of binge drinking often precede incidences of drunk driving. The research described below examined the relationship between the drinking plans that individuals made before visiting bars and their blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) upon return. Specific focus was placed on factors that might moderate the relationship between drinking plans and behaviour. Of particular interest were those who consumed more alcohol than they anticipated. Participants included 953 United States residents sampled crossing into, and returning from, bars and night-clubs in Tijuana, Mexico. Data on drinking intentions and drinking history were collected from participants as they entered Tijuana. BACs and other indicators of drinking behaviour were collected upon their return. Those driving home intended to, and in fact appeared to, succeed in drinking less. Factors that significantly moderated that relationship between drinking plans and drinking behaviour are discussed. Both gender and binge-drinking history were determined to be important factors in determining the correspondence between intentions and actions.
Abstract