ABSTRACT: Purpose. A central question pertinent to the efficacy of safe rides
(SRs) in preventing driving while intoxicated (DWI) is whether individuals at high risk
for DWI use them. Methods. Barroom surveys (N = 472) and in situ breath tests (N =
51) were conducted as part of an assessment of an alternative transportation
intervention in a Maryland community. Bivariate analyses and stepwise logistic
regression were performed comparing 42 barroom respondents who reported using a
SR in the last 12 months to non-users. Results. Bivariate analyses showed that SR
users drank more frequently outside the home and achieved higher estimated blood
alcohol concentrations (BACs) when they did. Also, they were more likely to be heavy
drinkers, to have driven when feeling intoxicated, and to have been arrested for DWI.
Although SR users were more likely to ride with an intoxicated driver, they were also
more likely to use a designated driver (DD). Stepwise logistic regression showed SR
users were more likely to be heavy drinkers and to use DDs. In situ breath test data
showed SR users' BACs ranged from 0.031 to 0.248, with a mean of 0.146.
Implications. SR programs attract drinkers at high risk for DWI. DWI prevention
efforts would benefit from fuure research exploring how at-risk drinkers make
drinking and driving decisions.