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 1 h 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.