The reported frequency of driving when over the legal limit within a sample of over 1,400 British drivers was examined in relation to biographical variables, driver self-perceptions, risk perceptions and reported risk-taking experiences. Self-completion questionnaire surveys were undertaken yielding responses from 800 drivers randomly sampled from a national database of licensed drivers, 250 culpable accident involved drivers identified through police records and a further 400 drivers sampled locally to the accident group. Just over 20% of the variability in drink-driving frequency was predicted. Higher drink-driving frequency was significantly associated with younger male drivers, those driving less miles per week and those with previous accident experience. In addition to the biographical variables, lower drink-driving risk perceptions and self-perceptions of carelessness and irritability were significantly associated with more frequent drink-driving. Suggestions for the continued development of driver education and training programmes are made, highlighting opportunities in the recent UK offender training initiatives.
Abstract