The three groups consisted of high school drivers, young offenders with driving under the influence (DUI) citations, and juvenile offenders without DUI citations. Subjects were demographically similar except for academic performance, employment, family intactness, car ownership, and drug and alcohol use, with DUI and non-DUI offenders showing significant differences in these measures. Situation analysis indicated that adolescent DUI offenders, relative to controls, were more likely to drink prior to driving, associated alcohol with many social events and dating, became angry when questioned about driving ability, played drinking games, drove fast to resolve stress, and were less likely to recruit parents when faced with driving intoxicated. A number of other situational characteristics differentiated between groups for DUI. In many cases, juvenile offenders matched responses of DUI offenders. While the nonoffender controls often expressed similar attitudes and engaged in similar behaviors, differences were significant. Common to all adolescent drivers was a poor conception of dangerous driving consequences, especially those related to alcohol use. Implications for assessment and intervention are discussed. 4 tables and 17 references. (Author abstract modified)