DRINKING AND DRIVING: THE ATTITUDES, KNOWLEDGE AND INTENDED BEHAVIOUR OF ADOLESCENTS

This study aimed to provide a baseline against which to evaluate the implementation of the Roads and Traffic Authority's 'Are You in Control?' road safety education program for pre-drivers. A sample of 2912 students aged 14-17 were selected randomly from 33 schools in different areas throughout New South Wales (Australia) and were required to answer a questionnaire concerned with drinking and driving. Topics included advertising messages and their impact, drinking and driving behaviour of parents and peers, the visibility of random breath testing, knowledge of the myths and the effects of drinking and driving, and associated penalties, and the likelihood of travelling with a drink driver and of being a drink driver in the future. Results showed, among other things, evidence of high exposure to RBT, and students' awareness of drink-driving advertisements and of the ways alcohol affects driving skills. The sample was less knowledgeable about what constitutes a standard drink, and penalties for drink driving. Students generally took an anti-drink-driving stance and a pro-RBT position. For several issues surveyed, there were differences in response from male to female students, and between students from country government and city private schools. The study recommends a second survey to evaluate 'Are You in Control?', and strategies to counteract drinking and driving behaviour in adolescent males in particular. (a)