Alcohol Use and Drink Driving Amongst Wellington Secondary School Students

Abstract

This research surveyed a sample of N=324 high school students aged 15-18 years of age in the Wellington region during 1997, and examined issues of alcohol consumption, driving practices and alcohol and drug impaired driving. Attitudes and behaviour toward both the usage of alcohol and marijuana prior to motor vehicle operation and the effectiveness of police enforcement and drink drive publicity campaigns were also explored. The findings of this research indicate that the drink driving practices of secondary school students in New Zealand have undergone significant change since previous research by Archer (1990) was undertaken, with a reduction in self-reported drink drive incidences. Furthermore, previous gender differentials appear to have diminished with similar proportions of male and female respondents reporting partaking in alcohol and drug impaired driving. Student alcohol consumption was found to be related to risky driving practices. In particular, heavy drinkers; were more likely to engage in a number of risky driving practices, including driving after drinking alcohol. Although it appears that the threat of police enforcement isn't sufficient to deter young motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, recent publicity campaigns seem to be an effective method of addressing such issues.