Method of transportation and drinking among club patrons

Abstract

Objective The current study examines the variation in alcohol use among nightclub patrons under three transportation conditions: those who departed from a club using modes of transportation other than cars or motorcycles (e.g., pedestrians, bicyclists, subway riders); those who were passengers of drivers (auto/taxi passenger patrons); and those who drove from the club (driving patrons). We seek to determine whether patrons' choice for how to leave the club contributes to their risk, as assessed by blood alcohol concentrations (BAC), after controlling for other factors that may contribute to their BAC including demographic characteristics and social drinking group influences. Methods Data were collected from social drinking groups as they entered and exited clubs for 71 different evenings at ten clubs from 2010 through 2012. Using portal methodology, a research site was established proximal to club entrances. Each individual participant provided data on themselves and others in their group. The present analyses are based upon 1833 individuals who completed both entrance and exit data. Our outcome variable is blood alcohol content (BAC) based upon breath tests attained from patrons at entrance and exit from the club. Independent variables include method of transportation, social group characteristics, drug use, and personal characteristics. We use step-wise multiple regressions to predict entrance BAC, change in BAC from entrance to exit, and exit BAC: first entering individual demographic characteristics, then entering group characteristics, then drug use, and finally entering method of transportation (two dummy coded variables such that drivers are the referent category). Results In sum, in all three of our analyses, only three variables are consistently predictive of BAC: presence of a group member who is frequently drunk and non-driving modes of transportation, either being the passenger or taking alternate methods of transportation. In particular, taking an alternate form of transportation was consistently and strongly predictive of higher BAC. Conclusions Additional public health messages are needed to address patrons who are no longer drinking and driving but who are nonetheless engaged in high levels of drinking that may lead to various risky outcomes, for example: being targeted for physical and/or sexual assault, pedestrian accidents, and other adverse consequences. These risks are not addressed by the focus on drinking and driving. Key messages appropriate for patrons who use alternate transportation might include devising a safety plan before entering the club and a focus on sobering up before leaving.

Seat belt use by adult rear seat passengers in private passenger, taxi, and rideshare vehicles

“…These are similar to reasons reported by drivers and passengers in private passenger vehicles (e.g., Begg & Langley, 2000). In addition, intoxicated persons may employ taxi cabs or rideshare vehicles as a safer alternative to driving (Bourdeau, Miller, Johnson, & Voas, 2015), and intoxication is related to lower seat belt use (Foss, Beirness, & Sprattler, 1994;Li, Kim, & Nitz, 1999). However, it is not known why rear seat belt use in taxis is significantly less than in private passenger vehicles, and further research is warranted.…”

Applying Bayesian cognitive models to decisions to drive after drinking

“…Our task presented a choice between driving oneself and paying for a ride service, but other alternatives (e.g. selecting a designated driver) may involve distinct decision‐making strategies [21]. Our task presented trade‐offs within a set range (one to six drinks, $5–$25), and individuals might alter their decision strategy at different levels of each (e.g.…”

The effectiveness of alternative transportation programs in reducing impaired driving: A literature review and synthesis

“…With respect to evidence of increased drinking by AT users, some articles indicated that those who increased their alcohol consumption were already classified as heavy drinkers or people who typically engage in risky behaviors ( Shoreet al, 1991 , Barr and MacKinnon, 1998 , Caudill et al, 2000 , Caudill et al, 2001 , Hardinget al, 2001 , Grube and Nygaard, 2009 , Family Sues Over Safe-Ride Program, 2004 ). Other studies also noted that those who use safe ride programs or designated drivers were likely to have higher BAC’s generally or were more likely to have a few more drinks because they were not driving ( Chan, 2011 , Sykeset al, 2014 , Bourdeau et al, 2015 , National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Math (NASEM), 2018 ). None of the articles reporting an increase in the number of drinks consumed when participants used AT reported any adverse harms in this behavior (e.g., no increase in assaults or other alcohol-related crime).…”