This paper outlines the drinking driver research programme of the Vermont Alcohol Research Center, USA, which was founded in January 1988 for scientific investigation into the relationships between alcohol, injury risk and human behaviour. In all its research projects, alcohol's effects are examined from public health and public safety perspectives. Each project involves a combination of epidemiological, phenomenological and experimental approaches, and of field, survey and laboratory researches. Current research projects on alcohol-involved drivers include: (1) psychobiological studies of alcohol-tolerant drivers; (2) studies of alcohol tolerance and adaptation among drinking drivers; (3) assessment of probabilities of drunken driving among various groups of people. Possible areas for future research projects include: (1) effects of alcohol on performance in sports; (2) alcohol tolerance in females; (3) self-reported drinking; (4) DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) prevention through modification of police behaviour; (5) alcohol tolerance, stress and blood pressure. The paper finally describes the current staffing and facilities of the Center, and its awards and affiliations.
Samenvatting