NCJ Number
115991
Journal
Alcohol, Drugs and Driving Volume: 4 Issue: 3-4 Dated: (July-December 1988) Pages: 225-232
Date Published
1988
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the results of an empirical study that was aimed at learning about the motivational bases of drinking and driving among young males and that was used to plan a successful mass media campaign focusing on drinking and driving.
Abstract
Information came from a telephone survey of 703 male Kansans aged 18 to 24. The survey was conducted during April and May 1985. Participants were asked about their beliefs about drinking and driving, drinking and driving behaviors, lifestyle, media use, and demographics. Factor analysis produced four groups with distinctive lifestyles. The two groups with the highest rates of drinking and driving were the 'Good Timers,' who were heavy partiers with a macho and sensation-seeking orientation and little problem behavior, and the 'Problem Kids,' who had an above-average tendency to problem behavior and an average profile on other factors. These two groups represented 23 percent and 24 percent of the sample, respectively. The groups with the lowest incident of problem drinking were the 'Well Adjusted' (27 percent) and the 'Nerds' (24 percent). Findings suggested that safe-driving appeals to 'Good Timers' based on fear or on concern for innocent parties would be ineffective. Results did not clarify the social psychological mechanisms underlying drinking and driving, but they suggested that drinking and driving behavior has a symbolic nature for young males. Tables and 12 references.