A profile of adolescent drivers convicted of felony drunk driving

Eby, David W.; Hopp, Michelle L.; Streff, Fredrick M. · 1996 · ROSA P / University of Michigan. Transportation Research Institute

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Summary

This study profiles adolescent drivers in Michigan convicted of the felony crime of operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor and causing death (OUIL-death) during the first two years of the law’s enactment (1992–1993). Motivated by the high rate of alcohol-related fatalities among young drivers and a lack of detailed knowledge regarding the specific characteristics and social contexts of these offenders, the research aims to identify factors that could inform targeted countermeasures. The study focuses on the eight underage drivers (under 21) convicted of this specific felony, representing 24.2% of all OUIL-death convictions during that period. The researchers conducted a case study analysis using data from the Michigan Department of State’s driver-record database, supplemented by arrest reports, crash reports, court records, and driver histories. This multi-source approach allowed for the reconstruction of pre-crash events, driving competence, and social circumstances. The analysis included demographic data, past driving records, alcohol consumption patterns, and crash dynamics. A composite "Index of Past Driving Competence" was calculated to assess prior driving behavior, combining traffic conviction points and crash history. The results reveal distinct patterns among the eight offenders. Demographically, 87.5% were male, with most aged 19 or 20. Driving histories were poor; the mean Index of Past Driving Competence was 16.3 points, classifying 75% of drivers as "Unacceptable" or "Problem Drivers." Alcohol was primarily obtained from older friends (44.4%) or relatives (11.1%), and 62.5% consumed beer while in the vehicle. At the time of the crash, 62.5% were not wearing safety belts, and 75% had open intoxicants in their vehicles. The mean blood alcohol concentration was 0.12%. Crash dynamics showed that offenders traveled significantly over the speed limit, with a mean excess of 29.2 mph. Notably, 75% of the victims killed in these crashes were friends of the driver, and none of the deceased victims were wearing safety belts. The study concludes that underage felony drunk drivers exhibit characteristics consistent with broader trends in underage drinking and driving, including high risk-taking, poor driving histories, and social drinking contexts. The findings highlight the prevalence of excessive speeding, lack of seatbelt use, and the tragic outcome of killing peers. These profiles suggest that countermeasures should address not only alcohol consumption but also the social environments facilitating underage drinking, the normalization of reckless driving behaviors, and the critical importance of seatbelt usage among young passengers. The detailed case histories further illustrate how prior legal issues, family dynamics, and peer pressure contributed to the fatal events.

Key finding

Underage drivers convicted of OUIL-death exhibited poor driving histories, rarely wore safety belts, obtained alcohol from older peers, drove excessively fast, and typically killed an unbelted friend.

Methodology

dataset

Sample size: 8

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• alcohol