Alcohol and Motor Vehicle Use: Profile of Drivers and Passengers

Objective: To compare the ability of four models to discriminate between types of alcohol-involved drivers and passengers. Methods: Anonymous questionnaire was administered to 532 undergraduates. Results: Findings from discriminant analyses revealed that though current drinking behavior and perceived normative support best explained DWI and RWID behavior, alcohol purchases made from different types of retail outlets also had independent discriminatory value. Measures representing problem behavior syndrome and early-onset RWID experiences were interpreted to be distal influences on current DWI and RWID behavior. Conclusions: Prevention of DWI/RWID will require a multifaceted strategy that addresses both predisposing factors and current alcohol use/purchasing practices.