Showing papers on "Driving under the influence published in 1981"

Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol: Relationship to Attitudes and Beliefs in a College Population

Abstract: Two social psychological theories (the Fishbein Model and the Health Belief Model) were used to derive attitude and belief factors to predict intentions to drive while under the influence of alcohol and actual drinking-driving behavior in a college population. The results revealed strong support for the Fishbein theory; attitudes and normative beliefs predicted intentions, while intentions were the best predictor of subsequent behavior. From the Health Belief Model, specific beliefs regarding one's effectiveness at being able to avoid getting caught by the police and cause an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol were also significantly related to drinking-driving intentions and behavior. These findings indicate that decisions to drink and drive are the result of one's personal evaluation of this behavior and one's perceived ability to control the threatening consequences. Thus drinking and driving may continue to be so prevalent in a college population because they erroneously believe that they are still safe drivers and effective at controlling the attendant risks.

Incidence of methaqualone in driving-under-the-influence (DUI) cases in the state of Georgia.

Abstract: A retrospective study was undertaken to assess the range of blood methaqualone levels, which should be considered sufficient to produce deterioration of driving ability. Data from 974 driving-under-the influence (DUI) cases were subdivided into five major catagories based on whether drugs other than methaqualone were discovered during the analytical procedures. The range of blood methaqualone levels, which appear to cause significant motor skill impairment, are discussed for each category. Also included are data from 20 of these cases indicating the symptoms of methaqualone intoxication which were reported by arresting officers.

Large-scale breath-blood comparisons under field conditions: methods, evaluation techniques and results

Abstract: This work, part of a long-term study of comparisons of breath (brac) and blood alcohol (BAC) under widely varying conditions, has the overall aim of investigating whether blood sampling can be substituted by breath, and comprises the results in the field of breath-blood comparisons on over 1000 drivers suspected of driving under the influence. Multiple breath (IR spectrophotometry) and blood ethanol (adh and glc) analyses together with numerous epidemiological data have been evaluated to ascertain precision, accuracy, usefulness, applicability and background. Internal consistency, mode of variation in differences between breath and blood, and extended regression and correlation analyses with assessment of error estimates under varying conditions have been evaluated. With regard to background the variability of brac and BAC levels and their distributions was shown to be dependent on mode of apprehension, type of offence, drinking practices, age, sex, and problem drinking. Results show that reliable automated breath methods with digital printout, consistent performance and a variability between repeated samples under statistical control within fixed limits related to the brac level, can be substituted for blood sampling in the overwhelming majority of cases; the measures to be taken in the few cases left are under further investigation. (TRRL)

The trapping, storing, and subsequent analysis of ethanol in in-vitro samples previously analyzed by a nondestructive technique.

Abstract: There is a need for a simple technique to collect breath samples of persons suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. Solutions containing ethanol were analyzed using dichromate oxidation procedures. The standard solutions were placed in a breath alcohol simulator at 34°C and the vapors analyzed with a CMI Intoxilyzer, Model 4011AS, with one-way valves placed at either end to prevent air entering the outlet or leaving through the inlet. The analyzed 715-mL vapor sample was then pumped through an activated silica gel column. The trapped alcohol was removed from the column with water, and the resulting solution was analyzed by dichromate oxidation, liquid injection, and headspace gas chromatographic procedures. A very good linear relationship between concentration and peak height ratio was obtained by gas chromatography. The slope of the graph was used to calculate the percentage of blood alcohol for breath samples previously analyzed by the Intoxilyzer. The average deviation from the correct alcohol value was ±5%. Samples were collected, stored, and analyzed after 15, 90, and 120 days with no apparent loss of alcohol. The three methods of analyzing the trapped alcohol were compared. Over 100 trapped samples were collected in the field and analyzed, and the laboratory analyses were compared with the breath analyzer printouts.

An appraisal of san diego county sb-38 participant dui recidivism and traffic accident involvement

Abstract: Successful participation in the San Diego County SB-38 program appears to be as effective a countermeasure to subsequent DUIs (Driving Under the Influence offenses) as the otherwise mandated license suspension for second offenders. DUI survival rates were calculated for a sample of San Diego County SB-38 graduates for the year post program completion and compared with the survival rates calculated by DMV on individuals for the year post license suspension. The San Diego County group had higher DUI survival rates.

Conclusions from a study concerning driving under the influence of medicine

Abstract: The results obtained from a study of 6725 "drunken driving" cases from a four month period 1976 indicate a growing tendency of medicine consumption in connection with driving (13% in 1965, 23% in 1976). Sedatives, analgesics and stimulants which are considered to be dangerous in road traffic, appear most frequently. The results from the study suggest a cause-effect relationship between the influence of medicine and road traffic accidents or near accident situations. The author discusses selected conclusions concerning the following problems: general characteristics of drivers medicine-consumers; the current law on "other intoxicants than alcohol" and the difficulties in its observance; the need of more information about driving and medicine; the programme for further research of some pharmaceutical, chemical, criminal-political and legal aspects of driving under the influence of medicine, and the need for closer cooperation between research groups from different countries. (TRRL)

Alcohol and road traffic accidents with severe injury to the driver. (pilot study)

Abstract: The results obtained from a study of 6725 "drunken driving" cases from a four month period 1976 indicate a growing tendency of medicine consumption in connection with driving (13% in 1965, 23% in 1976) Sedatives, analgesics and stimulants which are considered to be dangerous in road traffic, appear most frequently The results from the study suggest a cause-effect relationship between the influence of medicine and road traffic accidents or near accident situations The authors discuss selected conclusions concerning the following problems: general characteristics of drivers taking medicines; the current law on "other intoxicants than alcohol" and the difficulties in its observance; the need of more information about driving and medicine; the programme for further research of some pharmaceutical, chemical, criminal-political and legal aspects of driving under the influence of medicine, and the need for closer cooperation between research groups from different countries (TRRL)

An examination of the effect of liquor-by-the-drink on traffic safety in north carolina

Abstract: In late 1978 North Carolina adopted a local option liquor by the drink (lbd) statute whereby localities may hold referenda to determine whether restaurants may serve liquor by the drink. Prior to that time there was no legal sale of distilled spirits other than in government owned liquor stores. Some jurisdictions did previously allow the consumption of distilled spirits in restaurants through the practice of brown bagging. Brown bagging involves the customer bringing his own liquor to the restaurant and pouring his own drinks. North Carolina, with 100 counties and several cities which may separately initiate a referendum to decide whether to adopt lbd, provides a unique natural experiment to examine the traffic safety implications of this law change. Time series and other analytical techniques utilizing experimental (lbd) and control (non-lbd) counties are used to examine trends in both driving under the influence arrests and alcohol related crashes in late 1978 and 1979. (Author/TRRL)

Illicit drugs among arrested drivers in the border region of aix la chapelle

Abstract: This paper presents toxicologic findings from specimens of 145 drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or ethanol in the period 1974-1979, in the region of Aachen (Aix La Chapelle). 78 blood samples accompanied with urine samples and 67 urine samples were available for analysis. Since 1977 the number of persons increased, who were arrested in border traffic, routine traffic controls and accidents. The number of this last cause was constant over the observed period. The positive results of analyses for illicit and therapeutic drugs showed increasing tendency from 1976/1977, the negative results too. Morphine dominated in the group of illicit drugs; benzodiazepines were prevalent among the therapeutic drugs, followed by hypnotics (barbiturates, methaqualone and bromoureides). Illicit drugs findings predominated under aged 30. Findings of therapeutic drugs were more frequent at an age of 30 years and more. With regard to a higher traffic safety it is emphasized in suspected cases to take samples of blood and urine, completed by a skillful medical examination. (TRRL)

Alcohol and drugs in driving ability

Abstract: Following a research program (sponsored by BAST and ADAC) regarding individuals suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, a representative sampling of blood specimens (450 from 4000) has been analysed for the presence of drugs. For this purpose radioimmunological analysis (ria) was employed for the detection of barbiturates, benzodiazepines, butyrophenones, opiates and methaqualone. Positive results were found in 17.6% of the cases examined. In addition to ria, gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis was performed for further detection of drugs, which cannot be identified by the ria. The results of this study to date will be presented and discussed. (TRRL)