Eduardo Romano1, Tara Kelley-Baker, John Lacey. 1. Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), Impaired Driving Center, PIRE, 11720 Beltsville Dr., Suite 900, Calverton, MD 20705-3111, USA. romano@pire.org
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study are: (a) to estimate the prevalence of passengers riding with alcohol-impaired drivers; (b) to investigate the role of demographic factors (age, gender, race/ethnicity, educational status) and relevant driving conditions (time of the day, trip origin, vehicle ownership) on shaping the likelihood of alcohol-impaired driving; (c) to identify and estimate the prevalence of passengers as alternative drivers (PADs); and (d) to examine the role that vehicle ownership plays in shaping the occurrence of PADs. METHOD: Data came from a unique convenience sample of passengers obtained from the 2007 National Roadside Survey, a random sample of drivers from the 48 contiguous states. RESULTS: The prevalence of PADs in the targeted population (mostly weekend night vehicles) was higher with drivers at .00<BAC<.08 (17%-43%) than at BAC≥.08 (6%-29%) drivers. The evidence suggests that targeted policies to encourage PADs to drive might be possible. However, vehicle ownership is a large impediment for PADs to act as designated drivers. We speculate that vehicle ownership may be a main reason for the less-than expected success of the "designated driver" concept.
INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study are: (a) to estimate the prevalence of passengers riding with alcohol-impaired drivers; (b) to investigate the role of demographic factors (age, gender, race/ethnicity, educational status) and relevant driving conditions (time of the day, trip origin, vehicle ownership) on shaping the likelihood of alcohol-impaired driving; (c) to identify and estimate the prevalence of passengers as alternative drivers (PADs); and (d) to examine the role that vehicle ownership plays in shaping the occurrence of PADs. METHOD: Data came from a unique convenience sample of passengers obtained from the 2007 National Roadside Survey, a random sample of drivers from the 48 contiguous states. RESULTS: The prevalence of PADs in the targeted population (mostly weekend night vehicles) was higher with drivers at .00<BAC<.08 (17%-43%) than at BAC≥.08 (6%-29%) drivers. The evidence suggests that targeted policies to encourage PADs to drive might be possible. However, vehicle ownership is a large impediment for PADs to act as designated drivers. We speculate that vehicle ownership may be a main reason for the less-than expected success of the "designated driver" concept.
Authors: Susan M Ditter; Randy W Elder; Ruth A Shults; David A Sleet; Richard Compton; James L Nichols Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2005-06 Impact factor: 5.043