In Situ Driving Performance and the Alcohol Impaired Driver

Abstract

Blood alcohol concentrations (BACs), interview data, and unobtrusive measures of driving performance were obtained on public highways at 42 rural sites. Special data acquisition and recording systems were developed to obtain analog records of speed and lateral position electronically. Interview results confirmed that young male motorists are an important population-at-risk, but older male and female liquor drinkers are also prevalent. A double standard exists regarding attitudes toward beer and liquor, especially among younger males. Driving performance measures indicated that drivers with .08–.149 BAC react with caution to unexpected situations, but are less able to smoothly come to a stop when directed to do so.