This paper reviews some scientific studies of the alterations of social behaviour, caused by drinking alcohol, and discusses their possible implications for traffic safety. Judging by the published reports of experimental studies, there are two kinds of researches here: (1) psychopharmacological investigations of the effects of alcohol on human behaviour, where alcohol is treated as an independent factor in an experimental design; (2) pharmacopsychological studies of the interaction between alcohol and human social intercourse, where alcohol is assumed to modify psychological states like frustration. The available empirical research on human expressive behaviour is concerned with: (1) aggressive behaviour; (2) sexual behaviour; (3) other social interactions, such as conversations. Some investigations in each of these three areas are reviewed. At least some studies have shown that low concentrations of alcohol can influence social behaviour, leading to the hypothesis that alcohol can also modify the social interaction between driver and passenger(s). Although socially inhibiting and activating effects have been found here, it is not yet clear how far they affect driver safety. Further trials are needed where the interaction between several subjects is measured.
Samenvatting