Louisiana’s Alcohol-Impaired Driving Problem: An Analysis of Crash and Cultural Factors
Though national trends regarding culture and drinking are well documented, behaviors specific to Louisiana’s diverse cultural makeup are not. This analysis addresses this need. A review of the research literature identified cultural groups and how those different groups approach age of first consumption, consistent alcohol usage, and binge drinking. The analysis of previous research identified key risk factors associated with alcohol-involved crashes. This analysis was performed at two spatial levels: parish and census block group. Descriptive statistics were computed at the parish level, followed by a comprehensive systemic analysis at the block group level. High-risk locations were identified at a granular level, including the top 50 block groups. A survey of the general population demonstrated that a large proportion of respondents perceived drinking and driving as an unacceptable behavior while also indicating that they themselves drink and drive, including drinking while driving. Respondents supported countermeasures such as sobriety checkpoints, especially during festivals, fairs, and parades; increased access to free, safe rides; and treatment for alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Gaps in the data for Louisiana were identified. These included the perspective of offenders charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). These gaps were addressed through an online survey of DUI/DWI offenders and structured interviews with key stakeholders. The offender survey assessed beliefs and opinions of those charged with DUI/DWI in terms of the underlying reasons people drink and drive, and potential methods for preventing this behavior. The structured interviews with stakeholders focused on the experiences, knowledge, and opinions of individuals engaged with DUI/DWI offenders. Key findings and recommendations include the need to recognize culture as a critical factor, acknowledge the problem as statewide (north-south and rural-urban), provide diverse transportation options, and recognize the critical role of education and outreach.
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Supplemental Notes:
- Appendix J, Interactive Tool USER MANUAL, is available at: https://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2021/FR%20655_USER_MANUAL.pdf. The Interactive Tool is available at: https://ladotd.shinyapps.io/LA_Alcohol_Tool/.
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Corporate Authors:
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
College Station, TX United StatesLouisiana Transportation Research Center
Baton Rouge, LA United StatesLouisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Baton Rouge, LA United StatesFederal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Authors:
- Shipp, Eva
- 0000-0002-4034-8031
- Das, Subasish
- 0000-0002-1671-2753
- Smith, Scott
- Wu, Lingtao
- Sun, Xiaoduan
- Publication Date: 2021-12
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Edition: Final Report
- Features: Figures; Illustrations; Maps; Tables;
- Pagination: 185p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Alcohol use; Attitudes; Countermeasures; Crash analysis; Drunk driving; Social factors
- Geographic Terms: Louisiana
- Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Society;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01834844
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/LA.17/655, LTRC Project Number: 18-2SA, SIO Number: DOTLT1000209
- Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Jan 28 2022 9:16AM