Norms and Attitudes Related to Alcohol Usage and Driving: A Review of the Relevant Literature. Volume I: A Review of the Literature

Korenbaum, Sue · 1982 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This report, commissioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), addresses the need for long-term primary prevention strategies to reduce alcohol-impaired driving. Motivated by the recognition that enforcement and rehabilitation efforts have failed to significantly lower alcohol-related fatalities, the study aims to establish a foundation for programs that shift societal norms and attitudes. The research posits that achieving lasting reductions in drunk driving requires making such behavior socially unacceptable and emphasizing individual responsibility, rather than relying solely on deterrence or treatment of offenders. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of existing literature on attitude formation and change, norms regarding alcohol use, and primary prevention approaches. Due to a scarcity of studies specific to drinking and driving, the scope was expanded to include broader literature on substance abuse, highway safety, and public health prevention models. The project, conducted by Creative Associates, Inc., also included a meta-analysis of primary prevention studies (presented in a separate volume) and qualitative data collection through individual interviews and focus groups. The report synthesizes these findings to identify factors associated with successful prevention programs and to define the state of the art concerning norms and attitudes related to alcohol usage. Key findings indicate that alcohol-related crashes account for approximately half of all auto fatalities in the U.S., with significant economic costs. The report identifies the high social acceptability of alcohol and the demographic overlap between drinkers and drivers as major obstacles to solving the problem. It highlights that current countermeasures are often ineffective due to low detection rates and inconsistent judicial sentencing. Theoretical models reviewed, including the sociocultural and distribution of consumption models, suggest that alcohol-related damage is linked to societal values and accessibility. The analysis reveals that attitudes toward driving are complex, involving perceptions of freedom and identity, which complicates simple attitudinal interventions. Furthermore, the report notes that mass media often lacks the credibility required to change attitudes effectively, and that educational efforts must include behavioral modeling to be successful. The significance of this work lies in its recommendation for a comprehensive, integrated approach to prevention. The authors conclude that primary prevention must focus on modifying person, substance, and environmental factors to reduce the interaction between drinking and driving. Specific recommendations include conducting a national survey on attitudes toward drinking and driving, studying the efficacy of alcohol education programs for students, and implementing a three-year pilot program for community-based prevention. The report serves as a guide for state and local program designers, health professionals, and educators, providing empirical insights to avoid the pitfalls of previous health prevention efforts and to develop strategies that address the root societal norms contributing to alcohol-impaired driving.

Key finding

The report concludes that current enforcement and rehabilitation countermeasures have failed to significantly reduce alcohol-related collisions, necessitating a shift toward primary prevention strategies that address societal norms and attitudes.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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• dui enforcement
• public messaging
• traffic safety culture
• alcohol

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence