Perceptions of level of intoxication and risk related to drinking and driving

This study investigated variables of perceived risk associated with one's decision to drink and drive, as well as with the occurrence and successfulness of intervention efforts by others in preventing individuals from drinking and driving. Undergraduate students were presented with scenarios manipulating number of drinks, consumption time, and distance needed to drive. Participants then provided estimates of intoxication, degree of impairment, and likelihood of getting in an accident and getting arrested for drinking and driving. In addition, participants rated three criterion variables: intention to drive, likelihood someone would try to intervene, and receptiveness to someone attempting to intervene. Data was analyzed using three random effects regression models, one for each of the criterion variables. Results indicated that perceptions of risk were associated with decisions to drive after drinking and expected likelihood of, and receptiveness to, intervention efforts, over and above one's estimate of intoxication.