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Perceptions of Intoxication and Impairment at Arrest Among Adults Convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

NCJ Number
157620
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1995) Pages: 141-160
Author(s)
M W Lewis; J F Merz; R D Hays; R Nicholas
Date Published
1995
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study reports preliminary data on driving-under-the- influence (DUI) convictees' recalled perceptions of their intoxication and impairment on the day or night of their arrest; it also proposes a model of the stages and decision that lead to a DUI episode.
Abstract
Data were collected from 296 respondents at a treatment center in the greater Los Angeles area. Included in the survey were questions on respondents' awareness of the decisions they made regarding their intoxication and driving just prior to their arrest. Questions pertained to perceptions of their intoxication, impairment, and reported blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on the day or night of their arrest. Respondents recalled levels of intoxication and impairment corresponded to their reported BAC across self-labeled categories of drinking patterns. No significant differences in these perceptions were found by gender or age. A factor analysis revealed, among other things, a factor for "cogent risk-taking" on the part of many drivers; that is, respondents were aware of their level of intoxication and impairment and still drove their vehicles. Based on these findings, the authors propose a model of the stages and decisions leading to a DUI episode. This report concludes by examining how the data inform the model and by discussing directions for future research and potential future interventions. 3 figures, 5 tables, and 24 references