The Association of Sensation Seeking and Impulsivity to Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol

Abstract

This study examined the association between sensation seeking, impulsivity, and drunk driving. Results showed significant differences in sensation seeking and impulsivity among 160 individuals convicted of impaired or intoxicated driving and individuals who had never been arrested for driving while under the influence/driving while intoxicated offenses.

Utility of self-report and performance-based measures of risk for predicting driving behavior in young people

“…Consistent with our expectations and previous research, higher levels of driving risk related to higher levels of impulsivity and lower levels of harm avoidance (indicating fearlessness) (Begg & Langley, 2004;Constantinou et al, 2011;Curran et al, 2010;Gulliver & Begg, 2007). The finding that driving behavior and personality characteristics were related may be partially attributable to the fact that both are selfreport methods that tap related constructs (for example, impulsivity in personality and impulsivity in driving) (Aklin et al, 2005).…”

“…Self-report measures of risk-related personality traits have wellestablished associations with risky driving behaviors (Begg & Langley, 2004;Constantinou et al, 2011;Curran, Fuertes, Alfonso, & Hennessy, 2010;Gulliver & Begg, 2007). For example, higher scores on impulsivity and fearlessness self-report measures have been linked to increased levels of risky driving, including driving fast for thrills (Begg & Langley, 2004;Constantinou et al, 2011;Curran et al, 2010;Gulliver & Begg, 2007).…”

“…For example, higher scores on impulsivity and fearlessness self-report measures have been linked to increased levels of risky driving, including driving fast for thrills (Begg & Langley, 2004;Constantinou et al, 2011;Curran et al, 2010;Gulliver & Begg, 2007). Nonetheless, self-report methods have several limitations.…”

Whether or not to ride with an intoxicated driver: Predicting intentions using an extended version of the theory of planned behaviour

“…We know that not all drinking events results in drunk driving or riding with an intoxicated driver and thus some other conditions needs to be fulfilled. Accordingly, impulsivity has appeared as a strong determinant of drunk driving (Curran et al, 2010;Ryb et al, 2006;Stanford et al, 1996). People who are impulsive are more shortsighted and more prone to take risks compared with individuals with a high degree of selfcontrol and are therefore more likely to engage in risky and criminal acts such as drunk driving (Gottfredson & Hirshi, 1990).…”

“…Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the risk of riding with drinking drivers increases with decreasing age, with reported alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking or problematic alcohol use, and with drinking on specific locations such as in the car and with friends' support for drinking (Cartwright & Asbridge, 2011;Shope, Raghunathan & Patil, 2003;Walker, Waiters, Grube & Chen, 2005). Another characteristic commonly found among people involved in risky behaviours is impulsivity or low self-control (Ainslie, 2001), which has appeared as a strong determinant of drunk driving and riding with an intoxicated driver (Curran, Fuertes, Alfonso, & Hennessy, 2010;Ryb, Dischinger, Kufera, & Read, 2006;Stanford, Greve, Boudreaux, Mathias, & Brumbelow, 1996). Moreover, it has been shown that those who reported riding with an intoxicated had lower perceptions of risk associated with drinking and driving and reduced feelings of control around drinking and driving.…”