At-Risk Drinkers Use Safe Ride Services to Avoid Drinking and Driving

Abstract

Purpose. A central question pertinent to the efficacy of safe rides (SRs) in preventing driving while intoxicated (DWI) is whether individuals at high risk for DWI use them. Methods. Barroom surveys (N=472) and in situ breath tests (N=51) were conducted as part of an assessment of an alternative transportation intervention in a Maryland community. Bivariate analyses and stepwise logistic regression were performed comparing 42 barroom respondents who reported using a SR in the last 12 months to non-users. Results. Bivariate analyses showed that SR users drank more frequently outside the home and achieved higher estimated blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) when they did. Also, they were more likely to be heavy drinkers, to have driven when feeling intoxicated, and to have been arrested for DWI. Although SR users were more likely to ride with an intoxicated driver, they were also more likely to use a designated driver (DD). Stepwise logistic regression showed SR users were more likely to be heavy drinkers and to use DDs. In situ breath test data showed SR users' BACs ranged from 0.031 to 0.248, with a mean of 0.146. Implications. SR programs attract drinkers at high risk for DWI. DWI prevention efforts would benefit from future research exploring how at-risk drinkers make drinking and driving decisions.