Patterns of Self-Reported Driving While Intoxicated Among Older Adults. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Talwar, Amish; Hill, Linda L.; DiGuiseppi, Carolyn; Betz, Marian E.; Eby, David W.; Molnar, Lisa J.; Kelley-Baker, Tara; Villavicencio, Leon; Andrews, Howard F.; Li, Guohua; Strogatz, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 39:Number 9(2020)
• Page Start: 944
• Page End: 953
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: older adult -- driving -- alcohol; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464819854005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the prevalence of self-reported driving while intoxicated (DWI) among drivers aged 65 and older.Method: This cross-sectional study was based on baseline data from the AAA Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) study, a multisite prospective cohort study of 2, 990 older adult drivers. Alcohol-related variables from the baseline questionnaire were examined in relation to demographics, health status, and driving behaviors. A logistic regression model assessed variables associated with DWI.Results: Of the 2, 990 participants, 72.7% reported consuming alcohol, 15.0% reported high-risk drinking, and 3.3% reported DWI. High-risk drinking (OR = 12.01) and risky driving behaviors (OR = 13.34) were significantly associated with at least occasional DWI. Avoidance of hazardous driving conditions (OR = 0.71) and higher level of comfort during challenging driving scenarios (OR = 0.65) were less likely to be associated with DWI.Conclusion: A large number of older adults engage in high-risk drinking and DWI. Public health education and DWI-related interventions should include older adults.