Female Drunk Drivers: Profiles, Experiences, and Implications

摘要

While research has shown that females represent a minority of the drunk driving problem, thispopulation is a growing concern in light of several high-profile alcohol impaired crashesinvolving females, dramatic increases in female drunk driving arrests in the United States (U.S.),and smaller increases in their involvement in alcohol impaired crashes in recent years. The lackof progress and/or pronounced growth in the magnitude of this problem, particularly in the faceof substantial declines in drunk driving among males, warrants further attention to betterunderstand the characteristics of this problem and inform the development of strategies toreverse this trend.A 2011 literature review that explored the female impaired driver problem revealed that much ofthe research on this topic is dated. It also revealed that, while female drunk drivers share somecommon characteristics with males, they also have some distinct differences, particularly inrelation to co-occurring disorders and drug use. A second study was undertaken to closeknowledge gaps in relation to this issue. It consisted of a multi-faceted design that includesfocus groups with over 150 first and repeat offenders and 36 key informant interviews withjustice and treatment professionals in four states. Findings suggest some different profiles offemale drunk drivers. In addition, results regarding their attitudes toward and experiences in thejustice and treatment systems provide insight into opportunities for improvement. Renewedefforts to examine this issue are essential to ensure that women are subject to effective andappropriate interventions.