FACTORS IN ADOLESCENT DRINKING DRIVING - BINGE DRINKING, CIGARETTE-SMOKING, AND GENDER/

During three consecutive years, 3,137 high school seniors from three g raduating classes in one Michigan county were surveyed. The primarily White sample reported their use of alcohol and cigarettes, driving exp erience, and drinking/driving experience. Survey data were linked with state driver history records. Fully one-third of the high school seni ors reported driving after drinking in the past six months. To identif y factors associated with self-reported drinking/driving. correlation and regression analyses were conducted. Frequent binge drinking and ri ding with a drinking driver were consistent factors in driving after d rinking frequency. Being male, smoking cigarettes, having frequent use of a motor vehicle, having a driving offense on record, and number of years licensed were important correlates, varying by year of graduati on. Comprehensive interventions to moderate drinking, smoking, and dri ving after drinking are needed.