Driving under the influence (DUI) among U.S. ethnic groups

Abstract

Objective: To report nationwide survey data on driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs (DUI) among U.S. ethnic groups.

Methods: Data come from a probability sample of 39,250 adults 18 years of age and older interviewed by the U.S. National Household Survey on Drug Abuse in 2000. Interviews averaging 1h in length were conducted in respondents' homes by trained interviewers. The survey response rate was 74%.

Results: Self-reported rates of DUI were highest among White men (22%), Native American/Native Alaskan men (20.8%) and men of Mixed race (22.5%). Twelve-month arrest rates for DUI were highest among men of Mixed race (5%) and Native American/Native Alaskan men (3.2%). Drinkers who DUI are more likely to be men (regardless of ethnicity), not married, consume more alcohol, and be alcohol dependent than drinkers who do not engage in alcohol-impaired driving. However, important ethnic specific predictors are also identified across the different ethnic groups.