Perceptions of Intoxication and Impairment at Arrest among Adults Convicted of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol

Abstract

Making the decision to drive after drinking potentially involves assessing personal levels of intoxication and impairment. This paper reports driving under the influence (DUI) convictees' recalled perceptions of their intoxication, impairment, and reported blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on the day or night of their arrest. Respondents' recalled levels of intoxication and impairment corresponded to their reported BAC across self-labeled categories of drinking patterns. No significant differences in these perceptions were found by gender or age. A factor analysis revealed, among other things, a factor for “cogent risk-taking” on the part of many drivers: People were aware of their level of intoxication and impairment and still drove. We propose a simple model of the stages and decisions leading to a DUI episode. We conclude by examining how the data informs the model and by discussing directions for future research and potential future interventions.

Perceptions of level of intoxication and risk related to drinking and driving

“…Individuals indicated that as they felt more impaired, they would be less likely to drive, felt the likelihood of another intervening in preventing them from drinking and driving to be greater, and would be more receptive to an intervention effort by another. Previous research has suggested that individuals may choose to drink and drive, despite feeling impaired (Lewis & Merz, 1995). Indeed, in the current study, perceived likelihood of an accident or arrest were found to play a role in one's decision of whether or not to drink and drive, over and above perceived level of impairment.…”

“…Despite these harmful consequences, many individuals continue to drink and drive, revealing the need for an enhanced understanding of variables influencing one's decision to drink and drive. drink and drive (Lewis & Merz, 1995;Turrisi & Jaccard, 1991). Lewis and Merz (1995) found that although individuals considered their level of impairment, close to half of participants (48%) drove even though they were aware that they should be careful driving due to the amount of alcohol they had consumed.…”

“…drink and drive (Lewis & Merz, 1995;Turrisi & Jaccard, 1991). Lewis and Merz (1995) found that although individuals considered their level of impairment, close to half of participants (48%) drove even though they were aware that they should be careful driving due to the amount of alcohol they had consumed. The fact individuals choose to drive despite their level of intoxication and impairment indicates that additional variables impact one's decisions concerning drinking and driving.…”

Adolescents at risk for drug abuse: a 3‐year dual‐process analysis

“…Participants were tested in small groups and were isolated from one another and monitored, as in our previous field studies. Computerized assessments have been used successfully in problematic populations in previous research .…”

Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels among Dui Arrestees: Are There Differences When Considering Race and Gender?

“…bars and liquor stores [UK equivalents being pubs, off-licences and supermarkets]) have become more accepted within society, with some estimates finding that as much as half of all Americans will attend a bar at least once within any given year (Okraku, 1998;Green & Plant, 2007). As such, the very act of drinking at these establishments and then driving oneself home is believed by some to have become a part of our culture (Lewis et al, 1995). Another factor in this argument is the belief that those who drink and drive have only an estimated 1 in 100 chance of getting caught during the act (Labrie et al, 2007), meaning that offenders may believe they have little or no chance of being caught when driving home from these establishments.…”