Driving under the influence of alcohol among persons aged 16 or older in the US: A descriptive analysis

Background: In 2012, an estimated 11.2% of persons aged 16 or older drove under the influence (DUI) of alcohol at least once in the past year. Citation for DUI also causes a major spike in car insurance premiums. Objective: The objective of this study is to explore socio-economic and demographic characteristics of persons aged 16 or older in the US who have driven an automobile under the influence of alcohol in the past year. Data and Methods: The data for this research are taken from 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for adults aged 16 or older. Several weighted logistic regression models were estimated to assess the socio-economic and demographic determinants of DUI in the past year among adults aged 16 or older. Results: Logistic regression analyses results show that DUI of alcohol among persons aged 16 or older differed by age, race, gender, level of education and insurance status. The rate of DUI of alcohol was highest among persons aged 21 to 25 (21.9%) An estimated 4.7 percent of 16 or 17 year olds and 12.8% of 18 to 20 year olds reported DUI of alcohol in the past year. Results also show that males are significantly more likely to have DUI of alcohol compared to females. Conclusion: DUI of alcohol is a serious public health problem. 2012 estimate of DUI of alcohol corresponds to 29.1 million persons in the US. In the case of an accident the drunk driver is fully responsible for damages.