Citation

González-Iglesias B, Gómez-Fraguela JA, Sobral J. Traffic Injury Prev. 2015; 16(4): 345-352.

Affiliation

University of Santiago de Compostela , Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Campus Vida s/n , Santiago de Compostela , 15782 Spain.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15389588.2014.946500

PMID

25133786

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The main purposes of this study were to examine the usefulness of the variables of the theory of planned behaviour (viz., attitudes, social norms and self-efficacy) and to explore the relationship between optimism bias and drink driving in young adults. In addition, we explored gender differences in drink driving with provision for the effect of variables such as driving frequency and alcohol consumption.

METHODS: Data were collected via a questionnaire administered to 274 drivers (59.9% females) aged 18-30 years (24.36 ± 2.96).

RESULTS: The results obtained with provision for driving frequency revealed substantial differences in driving behaviours between genders. Thus, males were more prone to drink driving, perceived less disapproval by their significant others (parents and peers) and felt less able to avoid drinking-and-driving situations. Also, they self-reported more frequent alcohol consumption and driving under the influence. The results also confirm the significance of peers' subjective norms and attitudes to drink driving in males. Overconfidence in their own driving skills for driving drunk, and perceived behavioural control, were found to be significant predictors for drink driving in females. Optimism bias also played a slightly significant role in predicting drink driving, but only in females.

CONCLUSIONS: The important practical implications of these results with a view to designing effective interventions to prevent the risks associated with drink driving in the young population are discussed. Interventions should focus on young people's perception of group norms and on promoting cautionary driving choices and alternatives to drink driving.

Language: en