Rather than aiming to develop a broad based predictive model,
the purpose of the current study was to specifically examine the
relationship between riding with a drinking driver in the teens
and subsequent DUI in young adulthood, net of a comprehensive
range of potential confounding factors. The findings have important
implications for adult drivers in the community who are acting as
role models for adolescents riding in vehicles with them. The implications
of DUI extend beyond the immediate risk to the driver of
police enforcement, accident and injury to influence on young people
exposed to their risky behaviour and the behaviour of future
drivers. Incorporation of this message into safe drink drive media
campaigns targeting parents and other adults may be an effective
addition to existing enforcement policies which strive to reduce the
unacceptable death and injury rate related to DUI.