Authors

  1. Scheetz, Linda J. EdD, RN, FAEN

Abstract

Driving while intoxicated has been widely studied, but little is known about the differences in driving behaviors between the youngest and oldest drivers who consume alcohol but are not intoxicated. This study examined factors leading to fatal crashes in younger and older drivers who consumed alcohol, with a focus on drivers whose blood alcohol concentration was less than 0.08%. This was a secondary analysis of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Mean blood alcohol for both age groups was nearly double the legal limit. Within the low alcohol group, a higher proportion of older drivers crashed compared with younger drivers. Continued efforts are needed to screen and educate drivers regarding drinking and driving.