315.003 ALCGHGL LEVEL AN}? OTHER
SELECTED FACTORS AS INDICATGRS OF

THE PROBLEM BREHKIHG DRIVER

Thesis foe- Pka Degree 05 95. D.
{EECHIQM STATE UNIVERSITY

FE 031d Dalia Smith
‘5 970)

‘HF‘QIS

 
  

Michigan State I!
niversity

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This is to certify that the

' thesis entitled

BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVELAND OTHER SELECTED FACTORS
AS INDICATORS OFTTHE PROBLEM DRINKINQ DRIVER

presented by
FLOYD DALE SMITH

has been accepted towards fulfillment
of the requirements for

 

 

Ph . D . degree in Education

/" 1’; "
7p/{éé(47!(a 1' 7Z¢2U7 (6X4:

Major professor

Date October 16. 1970

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ABSTRACT

BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL AND OTHER SELECTED FACTORS
AS INDICATORS OF THE PROBLEM DRINKING DRIVER

By

Floyd D. Smith

Statement of the Problem

Several studies have resulted in the use of social, medical, or
psychological symptoms of alcoholism as identification tools in describing
various levels of problem drinking. Interpretation and synthesis of the
results of the studies is difficult. The authors in using different
criteria have individually defined a varity of often overlapping subgroup
classifications of drinking drivers.

The purpose of this study was to determine what relationship, if any,
existed between blood alcohol levels, other evidence of problem drinking,
and problem classifications. The classifications are: A) temporary
problem drinkers, and B) problem oriented drinkers as operationally
defined with respect to; 1) enforcement contacts, where alcohol was a
factor; 2) job changes due to drinking difficulties; 3) job absenteeism
due to drinking; 4) marital separation in part or solely caused by
drinking problems; 5) alcohol blackout occurrence; 6) delirium tremens

or hallucination occurrence; 7) hospitalization for addiction.

Floyd D. Smith

Description of the Methods,
Techniques and Data Used

A sample of 100 individuals arrested in 1968 for driving under the
influence of liquor in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties was randomly
selected from about 600 arrests made by Michigan State Police, county
police agencies, and Lansing and East Lansing Police Departments. These
departments have breath analysis instruments and officers trained and
certified in instrument operation.

The interviewing of the arrested drivers and the surveying of state
criminal records, driving records, and state hospital records was conducted
in the spring of 1970. On the basis of this information, drinkers were
classified into operationally defined, distinct categories of problem
oriented drinkers and temporary problem drinkers.

Analysis of the data was made to determine whether or not a relation-
ship existed between the following:

1. Blood alcohol level and the problem classifications.

2. Blood alcohol level and elements of identification
of problem oriented drinking.

3. Blood alcohol level and various descriptional or
situational variables.

4. Problem oriented drinking and various descriptional
or situational variables.

5. Income and disposition of cases.
The Major Findings
The Specific findings of this study are many in number. A limited
number of these findings are as follows:

Seventy-four percent of the classified drinkers were shown to
have demonstrated multiple symptoms of problem oriented drinking.

Floyd D. Smith

The mean blood alcohol level of those classified as problem
oriented drinkers was shown to be significantly greater than
the mean blood alcohol level of temporary problem drinkers.

Only those drinkers who were shown to have demonstrated multiple
symptoms of problem oriented drinking were found possessing
blood alcohol levels greater than .25%.

None of the drinkers who were shown to have demonstrated multiple
symptoms of problem oriented drinking were found possessing
blood alcohol levels below .122.

The lower age groups had lower blood alcohol levels than did the
middle aged and older drinkers.

As blood alcohol level reached higher levels, the number of drunk
and disorderly convictions and the number of hospital alcohol
addiction admissions increased.

Blood alcohol level was not significantly related to the number
of elements of identification of problem oriented drinking.

Problem oriented drinking and increased blood alcohol levels
were significantly related to those stating they had been ill
around the time of arrest.
The income of arrested drinkers was not shown to be significantly
related to the disposition of cases, however, problem oriented
drinkers were shown to have significantly lower mean incomes
than temporary problem drinkers.

Blood alcohol level is related to other well known evidences of

problem drinking and, at extreme blood alcohol levels, appears to

indicate the depth of problem drinking.

BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL AND OTHER SELECTED FACTORS

AS INDICATORS OF THE PROBLEM DRINKING DRIVER

By

Floyd Dale Smith

A THESIS

Submitted to
Michigan State University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Department of Secondary
Education and Curriculum

1970

36976207

© C0pyrighted by
Floyd Dale Smith
.1971

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Sincere appreciation is expressed to the following persons for their
assistance, guidance, and encouragement:
The doctoral guidance committee: Dr. William A. Mann, chairman;

Mr. Gordon H. Sheehe, Dr. Robert B. Winborn, and Dr. Charles A. Blackman.
Mr. William Barber and Mr. Fredrick E. Vanosdall of the Highway
Traffic Safety Center staff for their technical guidance and assistance.

Mr. Paul W. Wolff and Professor Emeritus L.R. Silvernale for their
assistance and encouragement.

Mr. John H. Schweitzer and Mr. F. W. Wilson for their assistance
in the design and analysis of the study.

Dr. Nevil Leslie Moore and Mr. Gerald J. Feddersen for editing the
manuscript and Mrs. Jane Jensen and Mrs. Barbara Schaeffer for typing it.
The staffs of the Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of

State, the Michigan State Health Department, and Oakland Schools for
their assistance and guidance.

The many peOple who generously participated by responding to
questions about their arrest records and personal lives in an attempt
to add to the knowledge about drinking and driving so that others may
gain from their experiences.

Donna, Kellie, Carrie, and Stuart for their patience, assistance,

and encouragement.

iii

ACKNOWL
LIST OF
LIST OF

LIST OF

Chapter

1.

II.

III.

TABLE

EDGMENTS . . . . .

TABLES . . . . .

FIGURES . . . . .

APPENDICES . . . .

THE PROBLEM . . . .

Introduction . . .
General Statement of
Delimitations . .

OF

the

Operational Definitions

Rationale . . . .

Organization of the Study

CONTENTS

Problem

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE . .

Introduction . . .

Studies of Alcohol Use and Vehicle Crashes

Summary . . . .

Studies of the Driving Drinker .

Summary . . . .
DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Sample . . . . .
Instrument . . .
The Sources of Data
The Null Hypothesis
Methods of Analysis

iv

Page
iii
vi
vii

vii

H

tam-DH

18
19
29

31

31
32
33
35
37

Chapter Page
IV . ANMJYS IS OF THE DATA C O O I O O O O O I O O O 40

Differences of Blood Alcohol Level of

Classified Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
The Relationship of Blood Alcohol Leve

to the Number of Elements Used in

Classifying Drinkers as Problem Oriented

Drinkers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
The Relationship of Blood Alcohol Level to

Various Situational or Descriptive

Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
The Relationship Between Drinker Classification

and Various Situational or Descriptive

Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
The Relationship Between Income and

Disposition of Arrest Action . . . . . . . . . 54
The Description of Problem Drinkers . . . . . . . 56

V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . 62

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Recommendations for Further Research . . . . . . . 68

BIBLIOGRAPI'IY O O O O O O O 0 O O 0 O O O O O O O 70

APPENDICES O O O O O O O O I O O O O O O O O O 74

LIST OF TABLES
Table Page

1. Composition of the sample population by
interviewing/non-interviewing categories
and drinker classification . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

2. T-test for significant difference between
blood alcohol levels of the 92 individuals
classified as problem oriented drinkers and
temporary problem drinkers . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

3. Those classified as problem oriented drinkers
in blood alcohol level categories . . . . . . . . . 45

4. Analysis of variance of blood alcohol level
and age of the total sample . . . . . . . . . . . 47

5. Drinking drivers by age and blood alcohol
level of the total sample . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

6. Analysis of variance of blood alcohol level
and the number of prior "drunk and disorderly"
convictions of the total sample . . . . . . . . . . 49

7. Analysis of variance of blood alcohol level
of the total sample and the number of those who
had been admitted to a Michigan hospital as an
alcohol addict . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 51

8. Analysis of variance of blood alcohol level and
the number of the 77 interviewed who stated they
had been ill prior to arrest incident . . . . . . . . 55

9. Chi-Square association results between drinker
classification of the 77 subjects interviewed
who stated they had been ill prior to arrest
incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

10. T-test for significant difference between mean
incomes of the 77 interviewed individuals
classified as problem oriented drinkers and
temporary problem drinkers . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

vi

Table

11. Chi-Square association between drinker
classification and self rated consumption
level for the period in which the arrest
occurred for the 77 interviewed subjects

12. Disposition of cases with respect to legal
assistance of the 63 subjects questioned

l3. Arrests and conviction rates by arresting
agencies for driving under the influence
of liquor and driving while impaired based
on action taken on the 92 classified drinkers

14. Frequency distribution of all drinkers by
blood alcohol level and classification

Figure

1. Distribution of classified drinking drivers

Appendix

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF APPENDICES

A. Interview Guide Questionnaire

B. Alcoholism Treatment Centers

C. Frequency Distribution of All Drinkers by
Blood Alcohol Level and Classification

vii

Page

58

60

61

77

Page

44'

Page
74

76

77

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

 

One of our nation's most serious threats to man and his family is
the loss of life that occurs in vehicle crashes. Research studies
designed to examine the cause of fatal collisions have shown that the
use of alcohol while driving constitutes a strong causal factor in a
disproportionate number of these crashes. These studies also indicated
that many of the individuals who were drinking, driving, and involved
in fatal collisions had prior convictions for driving under the influence
of liquor and in some cases had received medical treatment for alcohol
addiction.

If preventive action is to be taken, early identification of the
individual's drinking problem must be undertaken and effective treatment
must be enacted. This treatment must attempt to deal with two factors:
1) that of the particular identifying violation or the symptom of
drinking difficulty; 2) the individual's drinking problem.

Presently, one of the earliest identification possibilities of a
drinking problem occurs as a result of an arrest for an alcohol related
violation or disturbance. A major difficulty preventing problem

identification in this contact is that often the individual is simply

"processed" for the particular violation and he is not examined for the
drinking problem he may have.

A number of research studies have attempted to identify problem
drinkers by the use of solely descriptive terms such as "alcoholic,"
"problem drinker," "excessive drinker," and "abusive drinker." Often
individuals are subjectively placed into one of these categories.
Attempts to analyze and synthesize these data are made difficult by
overlapping definitions and generally result in confusion as to the
distributions of alcohol problems in the population being studied.

The problems drinking drivers possess fall into a broad continuum
of drinking induced difficulties. These problems range from youthful
exploration with alcohol at low levels of intoxication and social
drinkers who over imbibe, to the involvement of alcoholics in drinking
and driving. Differentiation of these problems is not always an easy
task. An examination of the individual's criminal and driving records
may quickly indicate that the person has had previous alcohol related
difficulties, however, information about the individual's ability to
function socially in other areas is not easily obtainable. Alcohol
related marital difficulties or separation, habitual job absenteeism
due to drinking, and drinking blackouts are also indications of alcohol
problems and should be used in identifying the problems of the
individual.

The drinking driver might be classified into three basic categories:
1) Drivers who drink and drive with some regularity but do not come to
the attention of police agencies and, therefore, are not identified as

problem drinking drivers; 2) Temporary problem drinkers who may be

considered social or exploratory drinkers that do not have histories of
social or medical problems created by habituated alcohol use; 3) Problem
oriented drinkers whose basic problem is revealed by heavy or excessive
drinking which may be shown by various symptomatic difficulties (see
definitions).

Arrested drinking drivers in Michigan have been required to submit
to a blood alcohol determination test since November 2, 1967. Failure
to comply with this statute results in the suspension of the individual's
license.1 Berril and Goldberg et. al. have shown "problem" drinkers
reach higher mean blood alcohol levels than do "social drinkers." This
indicates that the problem drinkers must increase their intake during
each drinking occasion to obtain the desired effects or conditions that
alcohol induces. Intake, after a period of time, must reach quantities
that the periodic social drinker could not reach without adverse affects.
Since blood alcohol level is assumed to be an indication of the in-
dividual's drinking tolerance, it may prove to be of value in determining
the depth of one's drinking problem.

This study was made 52 determine what identifiable relationship
exists between blood alcohol level and other evidence g£_problem drinking.

In addition to investigating blood alcohol level as a problem
classification tool, various other descriptive variables that were used
to place individuals into problem categories were examined with respect

to blood alcohol level and the problem drinking classification.

 

1
Michigan Statutes Annotated, 1968 Revision, Vol. 8 (Callaghan and
Company: MundeIine, Illinois, 1968). pp. 352-7.

General Statement 2£.£RE Problem

The purpose of this study was to determine what relationship, if
any, exists between blood alcohol levels and problem classifications of
A) temporary problem drinkers, and B) problem oriented drinkers as
operationally defined with respect to: l) enforcement contacts, where
alcohol was a factor; 2) job changes due to drinking difficulties;
3) job absenteeism due to drinking; 4) marital separation in part or
solely caused by drinking problems; 5) alcohol blackout occurrence;
6) delirium tremens or hallucination occurrence; 7) hospitalization for
addiction.

The intent was £2 explore blood alcohol level and other variables

 

as problem identification tools. This was accomplished by gathering
and analyzing relevant personal history information concerning a sample
of drivers who had been arrested for driving under the influence of
liquor. Various situational and descriptive variables of personal
history, drinking history and arrest incident information were examined
for identifiable relationships with blood alcohol level and problem
orientedjdrinking.

In addition to the above analysis, a description of problem

drinkers was constructed from the following variables:

1. Age.
2. Sex.
3. Race.

4. Present and past marital status.
5. Income.
6. Expressed drinking tolerance.

7. Legal assistance.

Delimitations

This study was confined to a random sample of arrested drinking
drivers in three Michigan counties.
Approximately 20 percent of the arrested drinking driving
population refused to have their breath analyzed. These
subjects were not included in this study.
It appeared that interview responders were Open and honest,
however, one can not be assured of the accuracy of responses
to questions referring to non-verifiable personal conditions
or situations. The interviewer found that often the subject
was quite anxious to participate and appeared to find relief
in talking about himself.
There is some natural police selectivity in arrest situations
which varies by department and individual police officers. It
should be noted, therefore, that driving and criminal records
are somewhat limited as identification tools in classifying
drinking difficulties. Some of those individuals classified.
as temporary problem drinkers might have been classified as
problem oriented drinkers had it been possible to make the
record systems more objective.

Operational Definitions
Temporary Problem Drinker -- is the drinker that is arrested
for driving under the influence of liquor but who does not
have a past history of alcohol related social agency contacts

or physical or social alcohol related problems.

6

2. Problem Oriented Drinker -- is the drinker with a history of
alcohol related medical and/or social problems. This drinker
may be more objectively described as one who has been arrested
for driving while under the influence of liquor and has had at
least one of the following additional alcohol related

experiences:

a. Enforcement contacts resulting in the arrest for driving
while under the influence of liquor, drunk and disorderly
conduct, driving while impaired or enforcement reports of
family disturbance where intoxication of subject is a
primary cause of attention.

b. Job pattern absenteeism as shown by self admission; i.e.,
work loss of two days per month as a result of drinking.

c. Job change occurring as shown by self admission; i.e.,
loss of two positions in a five year period as a result

of alcohol problems.

d. Marital separation or divorce initiated in part or solely
because of drinking difficulties.

e. Blackout occurrence where other drugs were not used as
shown by self admission.

f. Delirium tremens or hallucination occurrence as shown by
self admission.

g. Hospitalization for addiction as shown by private and
state hospital records. '

3. Blood Alcohol Level -- refers to a standardized measuring
system used by most states which measures the weight of alcohol
per volume of blood. The blood alcohol per 100 milliliters of

blood known as "percentage by weight."2 Michigan used grams

 

2Committee on Medicolegal Problems, American Medical Association,
Alcohol and the Impaired Driver: A Manual gg_the Medicolegal Aspects
gg'ChemicaI'TESts for Intoxication (Chicago: American Medical Associa-
tion, 1968), p. XIII.

 

of alcohol per 100 ml.

Example: . 120 mg. alcohol/100 ml. blood

.120 g/100 ml.
Results in: .12% blood alcohol level w/v

Breathalyzer -- was develOped by R.F. Borkenstein and is used
to determine the blood alcohol level from a sample of "deep
lung" or alveolar air of a subject. The measurement is based
upon the principle that the alcohol contained in the breath
sample will be exhausted through the process of reduction
with a measured amount of a chemical reagent resulting in a.
color change which when compared with a sealed control solution
by a photoelectric system of balancing light transmission
results in the identification of a specific blood alcohol level.3
The results of several studies where blood, urine and breath
analysis results were compared have demonstrated the reliability
of the Breathalyzer when tests were performed by well trained,

competent operators.

Rationale

It is h0ped that the findings of this investigation will be of

value in revealing additional means of identification so that problems
of assisting and controlling the drinking driver might be more adequately
understood. Such understanding should be useful in improving enforce-

ment procedures and in prescribed treatments of problem oriented drinking.

 

31bid., p. 110.

4Ibid., pp. 101-102.

early when treatment is most effective. In addition, improved under-
standing and action by educators and those involved in the c00perative
traffic safety effort should promote public support to reLevaluate
Michigan's facilities to deal with the drinking problems of individuals
through well designed public information campaigns.

Organization gt; Ehg M

In Chapter II a review of literature related to the drinking driver
research may be found.

Chapter III deals with the study design, definition of the universe,
method of sampling, and the development of the interview questionnaire
guide.

Chapter IV contains the relevant data on blood alcohol level driver
classifications and the statistical test results.

Chapter V contains the summary, conclusions and recommendations for

further research.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction

A comprehensive survey of literature dealing with the drinking
driver and the traffic problem revealed no similar study specifically
concerned with the current investigation. However, this review did
reveal several studies of a pertinent nature. These related studies
and surveys have been categorized according to the following subject
areas: 1) studies of the effect alcohol use has on vehicle crashes;
2) studies of drinkers who drive and the nature of their problems.

Studies of Alcohol Use and Vehicle Crashes - have, for the most
part, attempted to reveal the strength of the causal relationship
which exists between the use of alcohol and highway crashes. These
investigations are summarized as follows:

H.A. Heise analyzed 119 consecutive automobile personal injury
collisions in the Uniontown, Pennsylvania area to determine what part
alcohol was playing in personal injury vehicle collisions.1 He found

alcohol was prevalent in more than half of the collision situations

 

Herman A. Heise, ”Alcohol and Automobile Accidents." Journal 9;.
the American Medical Association, Vol. 103 (September, 1934), p. 739.

10

and that there were higher than the average number of persons injured
for each alcohol related collision. In "ran off the road" accidents
resulting in injury, the average blood alcohol level was .15%. In the
same type of accident resulting in fatalities, the average blood alcohol
level was .24% (it is presumed the author is speaking of drivers.)

Heise concluded "There is a direct relationship between the
severity of the accident and the amount of alcohol.”

R.L. Holcomb, with the assistance of Heise, compared blood alcohol
levels of 270 hospitalized drivers with 1,750 drivers found driving on
Evanston, Illinois streets to determine if those who had been drinking
and involved in collisions were proportionally representative of the
driving population.4 Of those found driving in Evanston, 12 per cent
had been drinking and two per cent were found at .10% blood alcohol
level or greater.5 Hospitalized subjects with a blood alcohol level of
.15% were involved in accidents 33 times more often than would be ex-
pected from the low percentage of drivers with the same blood alcohol
level. At .13% blood alcohol level, the ratio was 10 hospitalized to
one driving, and at the .05% blood alcohol level the ratio was one

6
hospitalized to one driving.

 

2
Ibid., p. 740.

3

Ibid., p. 740.

Richard L. Holcomb, "Alcohol in Relation to Traffic Accidents."
Journal pf the American Medical Association, Vol. III (September, 1938),
p. 1078.

5 .
Ibid., p. 1077.

6
Ibid., p. 1081.

ll

T.U. Marron and R.W. Morrissey's two-year study revealed average
blood alcohol levels of .22% for Iowa drivers who were apprehended for
driving while intoxicated and who submitted to blood tests.

Unfortunately, the authors did not indicate what percentage of
Iowa's arrested drivers were represented in their reports. It seems
their results may have revealed more about the quality of enforcement
than Iowa's drinking driving population.

H.W. Smith and R.E. Popham surveyed 919 Toronto drivers involved
in personal injury accidents and independently assigned responsibility
for the collision on the basis of a lO-point scale.8 In comparing
drinking and non-drinking drivers responsible for collisions, they
found drivers at .15% blood alcohol level or higher responsible 43 times
as often as non-drinking drivers.

G.H. W. Lucas, W. Karlow, J.D. McColl, B.A. Griffith, and H.W. Smith
examined the blood alcohol levels of 433 drivers involved in accidents
and 2,015 "non-accident" drivers in the Toronto accident areas at
approximately the same time in order to establish the degree of collision

10
hazard at differing blood alcohol levels. They reported that when

 

T.U. Marron and R.W. Morrissey, "Intoxication Tests - Third Year
Report." Proceedings pf the Iowa Academy pf Science, Vol. 49 (1949), p.273.

8H. Ward Smith, and R.E. Popham, "Blood Alcohol Levels in Relation
to Driving." Canadian Medical Association Journal, Vol. 65 (1951), p. 326.

 

9
25151:. p- 327-

10George H.W. Lucas, and others, "Quantitative Studies of the
Relationship Between Alcohol Levels and Motor Vehicle Accidents."
Proceedings 2f the Second International Conference 93 Alcohol and Road
Traffic (Toronto: Toronto Garden City Press Cooperative, 1955), p. 141.

 

 

 

12

drivers reached .10% blood alcohol level the hazard was 0.5 greater than
the control, at .10% up to .15% the hazard multiple was 2.7, and .151
and greater associated with 9.7 times the hazard of the control.1

A possible reason for the discrepancy of calculated hazards as
compared to Heise's study might be found in the control group used, for
the Toronto control group was not "alcohol free," but included those
who were drinking and found at less than .05% blood alcohol levels.

In addition, since the severity of the crash is generally associated
with higher blood alcohol levels, it is important that comparisons be
made only when both studies examine similar accident situations.

A.T. Pearson found that 34.2 per cent of the fatally injured motor
car drivers in Perth, Australia had .10% blood alcohol levels or
greater.13 This undoubtedly places alcohol as a strong causal factor in
Australian fatal vehicle accidents; however, one must question what other
contributing factors led to the deaths of these individuals. It must be
noted that 20 per cent of the fatally injured drivers were not tested
which may indicate they lived beyond the allowable time for accurate
blood alcohol determination and that other factors such as exposure
before discovery could have contributed to the deaths of those examined.

William Haddon, Jr., and V.A. Brandess analyzed the data of 240

single vehicle fatal accidents occurring in Westchester, County, New York,

 

11
Ibid,, p. 14.

12
.Iliid... p- 14-

13A.T. Pearson, "Alcohol and Fatal Traffic Accidents." The Medical
Journal.g§ Australia (August, 1957), p. 166.

l3

and found 69 per cent of the drivers at or above the .05 Z blood alcohol
level.14 Forty-nine per cent of the drivers in the single vehicle
collisions were found at .15% blood alcohol level or greater.15

H.C. Freimuth, S.R. Watts, and R.S. Fisher analyzed the conditions
of the deaths of 500 consecutive fatally injured highway victims of
Baltimore, Maryland, with respect to age, sex, and blood alcohol level.1
The authors found that 61 per cent of the fatally injured drivers had
.05% or greater blood alcohol levels; 37 per cent had .15% or greater
blood alcohol levels; and that 67 per cent of those .15% or greater were
under 40 years of age.17

A near linear inverse function of age and deaths of those drivers
under the influence was shown with 20 deaths in the (20 to 29) year group
to two in the (60 to 69) year age group. It is also interesting to note
that there was marked similarity in the under the influence death rates
for the youngest age group (10 to 19) and the (60 to 69) age group.

In an attempt to control the mass analysis of fatally injured driver

data, regardless of the driver's contribution, Haddon and J.R. McCarroll

 

4

William Haddon, Jr., and Victoria A. Brandess, "Alcohol in the
Single Vehicle Fatal Accident." Journal pf the American Medical
Association, Vol. 169 (April, 1959), p. 1587.

15
Ibid., p. 1587.

 

6

Henry C. Freimuth, Spencer R. Watts, and Russel S. Fisher, "Alcohol
and Highway Fatalities." Journal 2f Forensic Sciences, Vol. 3, No. 1
(January, 1958), p. 67.

17
Ihid,, p. 70.

18
Ibid., p. 70.

14

compared 43 New York City drivers who contributed to their own fatal
accidents to a sample control group of non-accident drivers found driving
near the accident sites.19 The responsible drivers were defined as those
who were involved in collisions under the following circumstances:

1. Only one vehicle involved: its driver fatally
injured.

2. More than one vehicle involved, but only one
in motion: its driver fatally injured.

3. More than one vehicle involved and in motion:
driver in responsible vehicle fatally injured.

Great care was taken by the authors to specify cases in the third
category where the drinking driver's action created the accident
situation. The authors found that 46 per cent of the responsible driver
fatals had blood alcohol levels of .25% or greater and that none of the
control group were driving at these blood alcohol levels.

In comparing drinking and non-drinking drivers who were considered
responsible for fatal collisions, drinking drivers were found nearly
three times as often as the control group drivers.22

The responsible drinking drivers were statistically less often

23
married than the control group drivers. Commenting on this, Haddon

 

19
James R. McCarroll and William Haddon, Jr., "A Controlled Study of

Fatal Automobile Accidents in New York City.” Journal g£_Chronic Diseases,
Vol. 15 (1961), p. 811.

201b1d., p. 812.

 

21

Ibid., p. 816.
22

Ibid., p. 824.

3
2 Ibid., p. 817.

15

and McCarroll stated:

"It is very possible that these case-control
differences would have been augumented if it
had been possible to measure the stability
of the marital and other social adjusggents
of those in case and control groups.

The authors summarize by stating:

"Finally, it is suggested that alcoholism
rather than merely social drinking was
involved in cases of the drivers with high
alcohol concentrations."

R.F. Borkenstein, R.F. Crowther, R.D. Shumate, W.B. Ziel, and R.
Zylman compared the strength of drinking as a causal relationship in
collisions with various other independent causal relationships and
their combination by analyzing the personal history and socio-economic
conditions of drivers found in:

. Accident non-drinking.
. Accident drinking.

. Non-accident drinking.

. Non-accident non-drinking driving situations.26

wai—I

This study revealed that alcohol became an "overriding" causal
factor in all situations when the individual's blood alcohol level was
.08% or greater. Other relationships of sex, age, annual mileage, etc.,
became less and less significant as alcohol intake increased.27 A second

part of the study dealt with alcohol and accident causation. The

 

24
Ibid., p. 822.

25Ibid., p. 824.

26R. F. Borkenstein, and others, The Role of them Minking Driver
33 Traffic Accidents. Department of Police Administration (Indiana
University, 1964), p. 25.

 

27Ibid., p. 119.

16

responsible drivers were compared with the control group combined with
the non-responsible victim group to ascertain the probability of the
driver causing the accident at different blood alcohol levels. The
analysis indicated a geometric increase in probability of accident
causation with increases in blood alcohol levels. At .04% blood alcohol
level the relative probability was the same as the non-drinking driver;
however, from this point on, the probability increased rapidly. At
.10% blood alcohol level the relative probability of causing the accident
was six times that of the non-drinking driver, and at .15% blood alcohol
level and above, the relative probability of causation was 25 times
greater.28

S.R. Gerber, the coroner of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, analyzed vehicle
collision death records of his county for a 20-year period.29 After
categorizing cases of deaths in a manner similar to Haddon and
McCarroll's, he found 65 per cent of the collision-responsible drivers
that had survived less than one hour, had been drinking.30 Of the cases
where the drinking driver was responsible for fatal injury, blood alcohol
levels of .20% or greater were associated with 53 per cent of the single
vehicle accidents, 17 per cent of the multiple vehicle accidents (where

the fatally injured driver's vehicle was the only one in motion), and

 

281bid., p. 165.

. 29$.R. Gerber, ”Vehicular Fatalities in Cuyahoga County, Ohio,
U.S.A., Twenty Years Experience (1941-1960)." Proceedings gf_ghg_Third
International Conference 93_Alcohol and Road Traffic (London: B.M.A.
House, 1962). p. 38.

 

30
Ibid., p. 41.

17

57 per cent of the multiple vehicle accidents.31 None of the fatally
injured drinking drivers found in these types of accidents had blood
alcohol levels less than .057...32 Gerber also found a higher preportion
of the alcohol positive individuals dying within a six hour period.33

J.M. Kowalski, N.J. Ross, and F.F. Fiorese examined all individuals
15 years old or older who were fatally injured in vehicle crashes in
Illinois during the 1966 calendar year.34 They found 44 per cent of all
drivers and 34 per cent of their occupants had been drinking.35 For the
15 to 20 year age group, 33 per cent of the drivers and 38 per cent of
their occupants had been drinking.36

It seems young peOple, possibly due to their strong gregarious
nature, are less discriminate than their senior counterparts in selecting
transportation after drinking. Undoubtedly, since Illinois law does not
permit the sale of alcoholic beverages to those under 21 years of age,
most young people attempt to disguise their drinking by doing so in
vehicles with the supportive company of other young people.

One of the few studies concerned with drivers using drugs in

combination with alcohol was accomplished by the Bureau of Criminal

Identification of the California Department of Justice. Fatally injured

 

32
Ibid., p. 41.

33Ibid., p. 40.

34Julius M. Kowalski, Norman J. Ross, and Frank F. Fiorese, "Blood
Alcohol Levels in Vehicular and Pedestrian Fatalities in Illinois."
Illinois Medical Journal, Vol. 131 (May, 1967), p. 659.

3
51bid., p. 662.

36
Igid., p. 663.

18

drivers in single vehicle "accidents" that died within 15 minutes after
the accident were examined for the presence of alcohol or alcohol and
other drug combinations.37 Seventy-eight per cent of all male drivers
and 47 per cent of all female drivers had been drinking.38 One hundred
and two of the total 772 were taking drugs, and 62 per cent of these
had .10% or greater blood alcohol levels.39 Drug use increased as ages
of the drivers increased.4
Summary

These studies have revealed what has become an axiom concerning
contributing or causal factors and vehicle collisions; i.e., a simple,
clear, all-encompassing statement which specifies an absolute causal
relationship between alcohol use and vehicle collisions cannot be made.
They also indicate, just as positively, that: 1) at higher blood alcohol
levels (above .08% or greater), the contributing nature of factors
other than alcohol seem to diminish, thereby revealing the strength of
the alcohol contribution; 2) as the driver's blood alcohol level
increases, responsible collision expectancy also increases at a geometric
rate; 3) as the severity of crashes increase, the average blood_alcohol

level of drinking individuals involved are found to be higher.

 

37Harold W. Sullivan, "A Study: Roles of Alcohol, Drugs and Organic
Factors in Fatal Single Vehicle Accidents." The Police Chief (March,
1968), p. 16.

381bid., p. 20.

391bid., p. 20.

40Ibid., p. 22.

19

Studies of the Driving Drinker - have, in general, been based upon
the premise that the drinking driver is not representative of the general
driving population. These investigations more specifically were designed
to identify and define the human problems that vehicle collisions and
various other symptoms reveal.

Bjerver, Goldberg, and Linda analyzed the personal histories and
accident situations of individuals involved in 71 personal injury vehicle
accidents in Stockholm, Sweden.41 Thirty-two per cent of the subjects

had been drinking and 57 per cent of these had blood alcohol levels of

42
.15% or greater. In an attempt to analyze the drinking problems of

these drivers, the authors grouped individuals as follows:

1. "Alcoholic Addicts" during the last 3 years
(individuals taken care of according to S l
of Swedish Alcohol Law).

2. "Alcohol Abusers" (several severe offenses
for drunkenness during the last 10 years).

3. "Excessive Drinkers" (one or two offenses

for drunkenness during the last 10 years).

. "Moderate Users."

. "Moderate Users" (small consumers). 43

. Alcohol Habits Unkown (mostly abstainers).

O\UI-I-‘

The authors classified the subjects into categories based on alcohol
use, as noted above, and compared the occurrence of accident victims

to expected frequencies for each of the alcohol use groups that were

 

41K.B. Bjerver, L. Goldberg, and P. Linda, "Blood Alcohol Levels in

Hospitalized Victims of Traffic Accidents." Proceedings gfi the Second
International Conference 93 Alcohol and Road Traffic (Toronto: Toronto
Garden City Press COOperative, 1955), p. 93.

 

42
Ibid., pp. 94-95

43Ibid., p. 97.

20

available from a previous study made by the Swedish Government of
Sweden's general population and the distribution of differing alcohol
use groups. The earlier study indicated there were higher frequencies
of alcohol-problemed people in urban areas, such as Stockholm, than in
the general population and these modified figures were used.44

The researchers found twice as many accident victims in the first
three alcohol use categories as would be expected from the Stockholm
pepulation.45 A comparison of drinking and non-drinking accident
injured in these first three categories revealed five times as many
drinking, alcohol-problemed pe0p1e as non-drinking alcohol-problemed
people involved in injury accidents.

The last analysis was with respect to blood alcohol distributions
among the alcohol use groups. It was found that of all accident injured
that reached blood alcohol levels of .15% or better, 95 per cent fell in
the first three alcohol use groups.47

It seems evident from the analysis above that Swedish problem
drinkers involved in injury accidents are found with high blood alcohol
levels. The converse of this; i.e., that those who achieve blood.

alcohol levels above .15%, are problem drinkers, also gains credence,

for only five per cent of the moderate drinkers in accidents were found

 

44Ibid., p. 95.

45Ibid., p. 97.

46Ibid.’ p. 99.

47Ibid., p. 101.

21

at these levels. It is feasible that higher blood alcohol levels; i.e.,
25% or greater, would be even more discriminatory in revealing problem
drinkers.

R.E. POpham examined the accident, arrest, and clinic records of
427 males charged with impaired or drunken driving in Toronto during
1954 in an attempt to discover the composition of this problem driver

48 He found 2.6 per cent of the charged group had been

population.
clinic patients for alcoholism. This frequency exceeded significantly
the expected frequency on the basis of prevalence of alcoholic clinic
patients in the drinking population.49 An additional 3.7 per cent were
identified as having two previous alcohol and driving enforcement
0

contacts in the prior 16 months.5 It was concluded:

"... the drivers did not represent a random

sample of the drinking population with respect

to prevalence of alcoholism, and that the

hypothesis should be entertained, for future

research, that traffic accidents involving

drivers who had been drinking are to a

considerable extent a problem of alcoholism

rather than largely a problem of the effects

of alcohol on the casual drinker."51

W. Schmidt, R.G. Smart, and R.E. POpham, in a four-year "follow up"

study of Popham's 1954 work, compared the clinical histories of the 437

Toronto drivers to determine how many additional drivers were admitted

 

48Robert E. Popham, "Alcoholism and Traffic Accidents." Quarterly
Journal pf Studies 22 Alcohol, Vol. 17 (1959), p. 225-232.

49161d., p. 227.

SOIbid., p. 229.

51Ibid., p. 231.

22

for alcoholism treatment and whether or not this frequency surpassed the
expected admissions on the basis of age.52 The authors found that 6.3
per cent had been clinic patients and that this group was significantly
younger than the clinic population.53 It is interesting to note that
the 6.3 per cent mentioned above is the exact sum of the percentages of
alcoholics (2.6 per cent) and those with two previous alcohol and driving
enforcement contacts (3.7 per cent) that POpham had found just four
years earlier.
In examining the driving records of the alcoholics, it was found

that the clinically identified alcoholic drivers were involved in a
significantly larger number of accidents per year and per mile driven
when compared to the general driving population; however, they did not
have a significantly greater involvement in non-drinking accidents.54

"It was concluded that traffic accidents

involving the drinking driver are at least

in part a problem of alcoholism, rather

than largely or entirely a problem of the
effects of alcohol on the casual drinker.

"55
T.A. Seals, in examining national arrest and accident records,
concluded in speculative writings that the social drinker is the real

problem in traffic safety. The author indicated that he considered the

psychological effects as dangerous as the physiological effects that

 

52Wolfgang Schmidt, Reginald G. Smart, and Robert E. Popham, "The
Role of Alcoholism in Motor Vehicle Accidents." Traffic Safety Research
Review, Vol. 6 (December, 1962), p. 22.

53Ibid., p. 23.

541219-. p- 25-

SSIbid., p. 27.

23

involve large amounts of imbibing.56

It should be noted that researchers have not focused upon the ”one-
time" problem drinker or social drinker for there seems to be some
inherent difficulties in clearly identifying this condition.

J.A. Waller examined 319 drivers that had been diagnosed as chronic
alcoholics or were members of Alcoholic Anonymous and who had come to the

57 Analysis of

attention of the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
the driver's personal and driving histories revealed the accident rates
were twice those of a comparison sample and the violation rates were
1.8 times as high as a comparison group.58 The mean age of the alcoholics
was 46.7 years, and 27 per cent had been divorced or separated.59 Waller
noted:

"... that 23% of these drivers [pathological

drinkers] first came to the attention of the

department [of Motor Vehicles] because of a

drunk-driving conviction, but they were not

recognized at that time as pathological

drinkers."60

Waller and H.W. Turkel investigated the blood alcohol levels, liver

conditions, and alcohol arrest histories of 208 driver and pedestrian

 

56T.A. Seals, "Today's Traffic Safety Delinquent: The Drinking
Driver." Traffic Safepy Research Review, Vol. 1 (December, 1957), p. 82.

57Julian A. Weller, "Alcohol and Traffic Accidents: Can the Gordian
Knot be Broken?" Traffic Safepy Research Review, Vol. 10 (1966), p. 17

 

 

S81b1d., p. 19.

59161d., p. 17.

6OIbid., p. 17.

24

fatalities in San Francisco, California.61 The intent was to find an

objective criterion for identifying alcoholism, since up to this time,

subjective evaluations had been used in placing drivers into Operationally

6
defined "alcoholic" and "problem drinker" categories. 2

Cirrhosis of the liver did not prove to be significant indication

when cirrhosis cases were compared to subjects' past arrest records.

Several observations were made which adds to information about the

drinking driver.

"The drinking and arrest patterns amoung younger
persons in fatal accidents suggests two separate
populations. Those dying with low blood alcohol
levels which may well have been social drinkers
making their initial or early experiments with
the use of alcohol. In contrast, the young
drivers with higher blood alcohol levels often
had arrest and maritaé patterns suggesting a
pre-alcoholic phase." 4

"... heavy drinking does not seem to be over-
represented among negro fatalities."

"If the presence of prior arrests for public
intoxication can be considered indicative of
impaired social functioning the correlation
between alcohol in the blood at time of death
and prior arrest record also identifies a
substantial prOportion of the drinking

fatalities as occurring in problem drinkers."66

 

61Julian A. Waller and Henry W. Turkel, "Alcoholism and Traffic

Deaths.”
p. 532.

62

New England Journal pf Medicine, Vol. 275 (September, 1966),

Ibid., p. 532.

63

Ibid., p. 533.

64

65

Ibid., p. 535.

Ibid., p. 535.

6

bIbid., p. 536.

25

M.L. Selzer noted the similar psychological nature of the "accident
prone" driver and the alcoholic and compared these symptoms in speculative
writing in 1961.67 He describes the groups as having common personality-
functioning characteristics of parallel egocentricity, low frustration
levels, poor control of hostility, and great dependency needs.

M.L. Selzer, C.E. Payne, J.D. Gillford, and W.L. Kelly examined 67
convicted drinking drivers of Ann Arbor, Michigan.69 They revealed,
through interviews, that 78 per cent of these drivers had pathological

drinking problems.70

In using Keller's definition of alcoholism, 57 per
cent of the examined group were considered alcoholics. Classifications
of "pre-alcoholic," "probably alcoholic," and "non-alcoholic" were also
used in an attempt to more clearly identify the drivers.71

The definition of "alcoholic" used in this study is subjective and
dependent upon the authors clearly defining terms to be used. Although
the authors' use of the definition is not being questioned, the use of
such a multi-defined term is often meaningless, for its meaning is

ascertained by the reader and this connotation is often far from the

author's conceptual intent.

 

67Melvin L. Selzer, "Personality Versus Intoxication as Critical
Factors in Accidents Caused by Alcoholic Drivers." The Journal 2:
Nervous and Mental Diseases, Vol. 132 (April, 1961), p. 299.

68

 

Ibid., p. 299.
69Melvin L. Selzer, and others, "Alcoholism, Mental Illness and the

'Drunk Driver.'" The American Journal pf Psychiatry, Vol. 120
(October, 1963), p. 327.

7OIbid., p. 327.

7libid., p. 327.

26

It should be noted that this study also was dependent upon the
quality of enforcement contacts. During the time of this study a great
amount of physical evidence was necessary to convict the driver of
driving while under the influence of liquor. It seems evident that only
the most flagrant violators would come to the researcher's attention.

Selzer and Weiss, in a 1966 study of fatalities occurring over a
three year period, revealed some unusual facts about victims' ages.72
They found 69 per cent of the classified alcoholics were between the
ages of 22 and 40, and that 42 per cent of the non-alcoholics were
between the ages of 16 and 21.73

These results seem to indicate that young people who drink and drive
are generally more seriously affected but tend to complicate statistical
analysis which deal with problem drinkers in crashes.

J.H.W. Birrell examined the blood alcohol levels of 1,715 drivers
suspected of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor; 250
charged with drunk and disorderly; and an unspecified number of in-
dividuals in various social drinking situations.74 He found blood

alcohol level means of those charged with drunk and disorderly behavior

to be .198% and those suspected of driving under the influence to be

 

72Melvin S. Selzer and Sue Weiss, "Alcoholism and Traffic
Fatalities: Study in Futility." American Journal pf Ppychiatry,
Vol. 122 (January, 1966), p. 762.

73Ibid., p. 763.

74J.H.W. Birrell, ”Blood Alcohol Levels in Drunk Drivers, Drunk and
Disorderly Subjects and Moderate Social Drinkers." The Medical Journal
g£_Australia, Vol. 2 (December 4, 1965), p. 951.

27

.22%. The number of social drinkers and their blood alcohol level mean
was not reported; however, the author explained that two or so social
drinkers actually reached a maximum blood alcohol level of .15% in the
interest of research. The maximum levels achieved by those charged
with drunk and disorderly behavior and those suspected of driving
under the influence was .35% and .46% respectively.75 The authors
stated:

"The amounts of liquor represented by blood

levels of 0.2% [.20%]and above are far

greater than those consumed in normal social

drinking, being of the order of something

equivalent to a pint of whiskey in one hour.

In ordinary social drinking situations,

breath analysis of the subjects usually

showed low alcohol levels of 0.02% to 0.08%

and not higher than 0.15%."

Reginald Smart and WOlfgang Schmidt used data collected 17 years
earlier by H.W. Smith and R.E. Popham on a sample of 919 drivers involved
in personal injury accidents in Toronto, Canada. The "follow up" study
was designed to examine changes in the criminal records for alcohol-
related offense, and mental hospital records in comparing 96 drinking

drivers and 238 non-drinking drivers that were identified in the previous

study.77 The results indicated that there were statistically significant

 

7SIbid., pp. 951-952.

761bid., p. 953.

77Reginald G. Smart and Welfgang Schmidt, "Responsibility, Blood
Alcohol Levels, and Alcoholism." Traffic Safetpresearch Review,
Vol. II (December, 1967), p. 113.

28

increases in the number of alcoholics and problem drinkers in the number
of originally identified drinking drivers.78

"The mean blood alcohol level for alcoholics

was .15 per cent, for the problem drinkers

it was .13, but only .07 per cent for the

non-alcoholics."

The original degree of responsibility assigned by Smith and POpham
to the alcohol-positive drivers was increased to a higher significant
level through treatment of the new data. In addition, it was found that
a preponderance of the excessive drinkers' accidents occurred between
6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. which was statistically different from the non-
alcoholic drivers.8O Excessive drinkers made up 23 per cent of the
accident involved groups examined.81 It should be noted that the authors
used an accident involved group of 1,950 as their control. The results
are only applicable in those accidents that were reported, and therefore
may also be somewhat a product of the quality of enforcement.

It seems apparent from these results that as the degree of the
alcohol problem increases, the blood alcohol level also tends to increase.
This does not, however, indicate that the converse of this statement is
true. The predictability nature of blood alcohol levels remains to be

determined.

N. Kaestner, in a c00perative effort with the Oregon Department of

 

78
Ibid., p. 114.

79Ibid., p. 114.

80Ibid., p. 114.

81Ibid., p. 114.

29

Motor Vehicles, examined driver history and arrest incident data of
1,020 convicted Oregon drivers in an attempt to more clearly identify

82 The average age of the 91 per cent male group

the problem drinker.
was 40 years, 25 per cent of which were driving during a license
suspension period or without a valid license.83 The average blood

4 The group possessed atypically

alcohol level of the violator was .217...8
high violation and accident records with 35 per cent having had prior
drunken driving arrests, and 30 per cent coming to the attention of
officials as a result of a collision.85 This report describes a large
group of the convicted drinking drivers as those who are "alcohol
problemed" individuals who are not controlled by fines or license
suspension action.
Ml

These studies have clearly shown that from 35 per cent to 75 per
cent of the drinking driving population are not representative of the
general p0pulation. Although none of the studies completed in the
United States have clearly reported sub-group associated problems with

specific blood alcohol levels, the Swedish and Canadian studies have

shown close correlations between alcohol problem conditions and higher

 

82Noel Kaestner, Vinita Howard, and Edward Warmoth, Oregon Study

gf Drinking Drivers, (Oregon Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle
Division, July, 1969), p. 7.

83Ibid., p. 10.

841bid., p. 22.

851bid., pp. 114-115.

30

(.15% and above) blood alcohol levels.

Interpretation and synthesis of the results of the studies is
difficult. The authors in using different criteria have individually
defined a variety of often overlapping sub-group classifications of
drinking drivers. Many of the defined sub-groups are primarily
descriptive and have little utilitarian value.

It is not the intent of the foregoing remarks to demean the above
studies. On the contrary, they have been of value particularly in the

formulative stages of further research.

CHAPTER III

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Sample

A random sample of 100 drivers who were arrested for driving under
the influence of liquor in 1968 was drawn from approximately 600 arrests
made during that time in Eaton, Ingham, and Clinton counties, Michigan.
Individuals arrested in these counties for this offense were taken to
one of six police stations for blood alcohol determination through
breath analysis. The police agencies involved were the Michigan State
Police, the county sheriff's departments, and the Lansing and East
Lansing Municipal Police Departments. These departments had breath
analysis instruments and officers trained and recertified annually in
instrument Operation. The sample was drawn from these organizational
records.

I A pilot study conducted in March of 1969 indicated the numbers of
arrests made by each of these six agencies during the first six months
of 1968. A percentage value of the total number was calculated for
each agency. The sample was drawn from the full year's arrest records
on the basis of that percentage. Every third or fourth arrest recorded
in the log book or on alcohol influence report forms, was taken as part

of the sample from the particular police department. A starting number

31

32

was determined by the position of the sweep hand of the selector's wrist
watch when receiving the records. For example, if every fourth arrest
was to be drawn and the sweep hand was in the second quarter of a re-
volution (from three to and including six) the second arrest made by

that department in 1968 was the starting point of the selection. Record
entries of individuals who refused to give a sample of breath or who were
identified as "out of state" drivers were not counted as possible sample
selections since analysis was to be made with respect to blood alcohol
level and interviewing was limited to those persons who lived in Michigan.

The sample size was selected to provide an adequate number of subjects
at various blood alcohol levels for analysis with respect to various
descriptive variables and to increase the probability of the sample as
being representative of the pepulation from.which it was drawn.

Ingham County is the most p0pulated and industrialized of the three
counties with auto manufacturing plants located in Lansing. Clinton and
Eaton counties are primarily rural, having only light industry. The
mean of the total population and auto registrations for the three counties
is slightly above the Michigan county averages.

Instrument

An interview guide questionnaire was used to secure information on
the drivers' personal and drinking history and arrest incident information.
The guide was designed to provide interview leads in obtaining classifi-
cation information on the depth of the individual's drinking problem.

The questions were based on problems and conditions identified through
interviews with known alcoholics and medical people who work with

alcoholics in the Lansing, Michigan area, readings on alcohol addiction

33

stages, and readings of studies of the drinking driver.

Several revisions of the questionnaire guide were made in content,
wording, and format. Two separate pilot studies, in which interviews
were conducted, were made. The suggestions offered were noted and when
warranted the guide was revised to include the suggestions.

(see Appendix A).
The Sources of Data
Driving Records:

All subjects' driving records were analyzed for disposition of
identifying arrest incident, and previous reckless driving, driving while
impaired, or driving while under the influence of liquor convictions.
This information was recorded on a three by five inch data card which
listed the person's name, address, date of birth, driver's license number,
arrest incident date, and past convictions data. The information was
coded so that no one but the interviewer could interpret the notations.
Interview:

Interviews, when possible, were made in the person's home. In a few
instances the interview was conducted at the individual's place of
employment or in a bar. Each contact was initiated by the interviewer
identifying himself by name as one conducting educational research with
a random sample of individuals in a three-county area. The actual nature
of the study was not revealed until personal contact could be made with
the sample subject. The subject was asked to participate by taking a few
moments and responding to questions from the questionnaire guide. After
maximum privacy was assured, the subject was then informed that the

specific area of the research was in connection with his being arrested

34

in 1968 for driving under the influence of liquor. It was then explained
that the research was designed to collect and analyze information which
would more clearly identify drinking and driving difficulties which would
lead to improved treatment of those being arrested. The interviewer then
showed the subject the code numbered questionnaire guide and emphasized
that the information was to be held in the strictest confidence. It was
restressed that the information would not be connected with the subject
by anyone but the interviewer and that from that point on the information
was only to be tabulated with that from other interviews. The actual
interview was then initiated by asking the individual, "What can you
recall about the arrest incident?"

The last question on the interview guide and in the interview was to
ask the person if he had ever been arrested before for any of the listed
alcohol-connected offenses (Appendix A). If the subject's response to
this final question was not in agreement with the data card, the person
was asked to explain and re-answer previous questions. If the data card
indicated previous reckless driving charges, the individual was also
asked if that arrest was initially a drinking driving charge.

Criminal Records:

Michigan State Police criminal records of the subjects were
surveyed for the following convictions:

Driving while under the influence of liquor.
Driving while impaired.
Drunk and disorderly conduct.

Any indication of family disturbance where
the subject's drinking was a primary cause.

Donut-
.0.

These record entries were cross validated with the driving records

35

where possible and additional information was sought where discrepancies
occurred.
Social Records:

A survey was made of official social service agencies in the three-
county area for contacts resulting from the subject's drinking difficulty.
Problems were encountered and this data will not be included in the-
analysis. The concern of agencies about the client counselor confi-
dentiality prevented the collection of this data.

Hospital Records:

The records of state and private hospitals that may have treated
sample subjects for diagnosed alcohol addiction were surveyed. A list
of these agencies has been provided in Appendix B.

Data from the above sources was used to classify each sample subject
into one of two problem classifications: 1) problem oriented drinkers or
those subjects with histories of medical or social drinking problems,
and 2) temporary problem drinkers or those who have no history of medical
or social drinking problems other than the identification arrest incident.

The Null Hypotheses

The following are statements of the major hypotheses of this study
in the null form; i.e., stating that no significant relationships exist
between the stated variables for statistical treatment purposes:

Hol: There is no significant difference between

the mean blood alcohol level of those drivers
classified as problem oriented drinkers and

those drivers classified as temporary problem
drinkers.

H02:

H03:

H04:

36

There is no significant relationship
between the number of elements of
identification of those classified as
problem oriented drinkers and their
blood alcohol level determined at the
time of arrest.

There is no significant relationship
between any of the following descriptive
situational variables and the blood alcohol
levels determined at the time of arrest.

a. Age.

b. The number of prior drinking driving
convictions.

c. The number of prior drunk and disorderly
convictions.

d. An affirmative response to drinking as
a cause of marital separation or divorce.

e. The number of work days lost per month
because of drinking.

f. The number of position changes in the
prior 5 year period because of drinking.

g. The number of alcohol blackouts
experienced.

h. The number of delirium tremens 0r
hallucination experiences.

i. The number of alcohol addiction
admissions.

j. An affirmative response to the use of
medication prior to identifying arrest
incident.

k. A positive family history of drinking
problems. '

1. An affirmative response to extended
illness (2 weeks) prior to or around
identifying arrest incident.

There is no significant relationship
between those classified as problem
oriented drinkers as opposed to those
classifed as temporary problem drinkers
and any of the following descriptive

or situational variables.

37

a. Age.

b. An affirmative response to the use
of medication prior to identifying
arrest incident.

c. A positive family history of alcohol
problems.

d. An affirmative response to extended
illness (2 weeks) prior to or around
identification arrest incident.

H05: There is no significant relationship
between the income of sample subjects
during the year they were arrested and
the degree of seriousness of legal
action taken.

Methods of Analysis

The data obtained were analyzed using the following: a t-test of
significance, a one-way analysis of variance, and a Chi-Square test for
association.

H01: A t-test for significance was employed to determine the
significance of the difference between the mean blood alcohol level of
those sample subjects who were classified as problem oriented drinkers
and those classified as temporary problem drinkers. An .05 level of
significance was used to determine the acceptance or rejection of this
hypothesis.

H02: The sample group was separated into four approximately equal
groups on the basis of blood alcohol level; .09 to .l6%, .17 to .20%,
.21 to .24%, and .25 to .41%. A one-way analysis of variance was
employed to determine the differences between scores associated with the
number of identification elements used to identify problem oriented
drinkers, and four blood alcohol level categories; i.e., to determine

if the scores of individuals in each of the separate blood alcohol level

categories differed significantly from scores of individuals in the

38

other categories. This was done to determine if blood alcohol level

is associated with increased numbers of identification elements (the
number of observable relationships which demonstrate problem drinking).
An .05 level of significance was used to determine the acceptance or
rejection of this hyposthesis.

H03: A one-way analysis of variance was employed to determine the
differences between the scores associated with the twelve variables "a"
through "1" listed and all sample individuals for the blood alcohol level
categories; i.e., to determine if the scores associated with individuals
in each of these separate categories differed significantly from the
scores of individuals in other categories. This was done to determine if
blood alcohol level is strongly associated with any other of the known
descriptional or situational variables. An .05 level of significance
was used to determine the acceptance or rejection of the twelve variables
of this hypothesis.

H04: The four variables of this hypothesis were tested by the Chi-
Square test for association. This examination was done to determine if
variables other than those used to define the problem oriented drinkers
could be used as tools of identification. An .05 level of significance
was used to determine the acceptance or rejection of these elements of
the hypothesis.

H05: The sample group was separated into three approximately equal
groups on the basis of the individuals' 1968 income estimated to the
nearest thousand dollars; $2,000 to $6,000, $7,000 to $10,000, and
$11,000 to $22,000. Disposition of the case was categorized into:

1) case dropped or no record; 2) conviction of a charge other than an

39

alcohol driving charge; 3) conviction of driving while impaired;

4) conviction of driving under the influence. A one-way analysis of
variance was employed to determine the difference between numerical
scores (assigned to the disposition levels) and the three income
categories; i.e., to determine if the disposition scores assigned to
individuals in each of the income categories differed significantly
from scores of individuals in the other categories. This was done
to determine whether or not income level and the ability of an
individual to secure legal assistance could have affected prior
conviction records, thereby reduce the number of the sample who

were classified by this factor as problem oriented drinkers. An

.05 level of significance was used to determine the acceptance or
rejection of this hypothesis.

In the following chapter the analysis of the data may be found.

CHAPTER IV

ANALYSIS OF THE DATA

The results of the analysis of data are presented in this chapter.
The analysis of the following are presented: 1) the difference in mean
blood alcohol level obtained by those classified as problem oriented
drinkers and those classified as temporary problem drinkers, 2) the
relationship between the number of identification elements used to
classify individuals as problem oriented drinkers and blood alcohol
level, 3) the relationship of blood alcohol level to each of the 12
different descriptive or situational variables, 4) the relationship
between drinker classification of problem oriented as Opposed to
temporary problemed and four descriptive or situational variable, and
5) the relationship of income level of those arrested and final
disposition of the identification arrest incident. In addition, other
factors and conditions were used to further describe problem drinkers.

Of the original 100 subject, 77 were interviewed. Three of these
interviews were conducted with the parents or spouse of the subject
because the subjects were not available. Fifty-three of these interviewed
drivers were classified as problem oriented drinkers from interview and
record data. Twenty-four were classified as temporary problem drinkers

as a result of the interview and record survey. Table 1 presents the

40

 

41

composition of the sample pOpulation by interview action and the resulting

classification.

TABLE l.-- Composition of the sample pOpulation by interviewing/non-
interviewing categories and drinker classification.

 

 

 

 

Problem Temporary
Oriented Problem Not
Drinkers Drinkers Classified Total
Interviewed 53 24 0 77
Not-Interviewed 15 0 8 23
Total 68 24 8 100

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of the 23 subjects not interviewed, nine had moved to another state,
three refused to participate, and 11 could not be found after surveying
previous landlords, relatives, local tavern owners, local police
departments, credit reference bureaus, and criminal and driving record
files for recent arrest and address information. Fifteen of those not
interviewed were classified as problem oriented drinkers from the
results of the criminal, hospital, and driving record surveys. The
remaining eight subjects could not be classified.

Differences of Blood Alcohol Level
of Classified Drivers

The following is a re-statement of the null hypothesis which was

tested:

42

H01: There is no significant difference between

the mean blood alcohol level of those
drivers classified as problem oriented

drinkers and those drivers classified as
temporary problem drinkers.

A t-test of significance between means was used to determine the

significance of difference between blood alcohol level of the two

problem classifications.

TABLE 2.-- T-test for significant difference between blood alcohol

The results of this appears in Table 2.

levels of the 92 individuals classified as problem
oriented drinkers and temporary problem drinkers.

 

Categories

Means

Computed t-value

 

Temporary
Problem
Drinkers

24

.18%

 

Problem
Oriented
Drinkers

 

 

68

 

.21%

2.31

 

 

Required t-value for significance at the .05 level = 1.67

A t-value of 1.67 was needed to demonstrate significance at the

required .05 level:

a value of 2.31 was obtained for the t-statistic.

0n.the basis of this obtained t-value presented in Table 2, the null

hypothesis of no significant difference between groups was rejected;

i.e., the mean blood alcohol levels of these two groups are significantly

different at the .05 level.

The distribution of problem oriented

<irinkers' and temporary problem drinkers' blood alcohol levels is

 

43

presented in Figure l. A table of the frequency distribution of drinkers
by blood alcohol level and classification is presented in Appendix C.

The percentage of problem oriented drinkers found in blood alcohol level
categories is presented in Table 3.

In addition to the testing of the above hypothesis, several other
tests were made of mean blood alcohol levels with respect to interview
action and subject classification into problem categories.

A t-test of significance between means was used to determine if a
significance of difference existed between the 1) blood alcohol level
means of those subjects interviewed and those not interviewed, and 2)
the blood alcohol level means of the problem oriented drinkers who were
interviewed and those not interviewed. T-values of .003 and .875
respectively were obtained. Neither of these values was large enough to
demonstrate significance at a .05 level.

The Relationshippof Blood Alcohol Level
to the Number of Elements Used in
Classifying Drinkers as Problem
Oriented Drinkers

The following is a re-statement of the null hypothesis which
was tested:

H02: There is no significant relationship between

the number of elements of identification of
those classified as problem oriented drinkers
and their blood alcohol level determined at
the time of arrest.

In using a one-way analysis of variance test, an F-statistic of
1.88 for variance between blood alcohol level categories was obtained.

This value was not sufficient to demonstrate significance at the .05

level. The number of identification elements did not increase

44

15.—

. Problem Oriented Drinkers
D Temporary Problem Drinkers

d
O
O O O 0

Number 0! Individuals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J

.12-.I 4's .15-.17“. .lB-JO‘S .21-23°. 24226“. .27-.29‘. 30-32% .33-.35’a 36-38"- .3924?»

O ——
11%

09-.

Blood Alcohol Level

mum Distribution of classified drinking drivers

45

 

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annoum one 0:3

 

 

 

 

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mo ucoo Hem
Aaauzv
N w mm mm NH muoxaaun wOHMHmmmHo
muoxofiun
N m NN an m voucowuo amanoum
pm>o-xmm. NNm.-A~. Nem.--. NON.-mH. sea.-so. mmapomppao Hp>ma

 

 

 

 

 

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ao>oa HOLOOHm tooHn aw muoxofium voucowuo annoua mm

.moauowoumo

voamwmmmao moons ru.m mam<9

 

46

significantly from one blood alcohol level category to another. The null
hypothesis was sustained.
The Relationship of Blood Alcohol Level

to Various Situational or Descriptive
Variables

 

The following is a re-statement of the null hypothesis which
was tested:

H03: There is no significant relationship between

any of the following descriptive situational
variables and the blood alcohol levels de-
termined at the time of arrest.

The relationship between blood alcohol level and the variables was
tested by using a one-way analysis of variance. The elements of the sub-
hypothesis were examined with respect to four blood alcohol level
categories and the means obtained in these categories for the description
or situational variable.

A. Agg -- In comparing ages of subjects a 5.075 F-statistic was
obtained. This value was sufficiently large to demonstrate significance
at the .05 level. The null hypothesis of no significant difference was
rejected. Those individuals below 27 years of age showed lower blood
alcohol levels than the middle aged and older groups. The results of
this analysis of variance are presented in Table 4. Means of the blood
alcohol level categories are included so that the curvilinearity of the
following functions may be examined. The distribution of drinking
drivers by age and blood alcohol level is presented in Table 5.

B. Prior Drinking Drivipgrgonvictions -- Thirty-seven of the

sample had prior convictions for drinking and driving charges. In

comparing the sum of prior driving while impaired and driving under the

47

TABLE 4.-- Analysis of variance of blood alcohol level and age of
the total sample.

 

 

 

 

 

 

, Level of

Categories Frequence Means F-Stat1stic Si nificance

: :%
.09-.l6% 24 29.0
.l7-.20% 30 34.4

5008 '01

.21-.24% 28 34.2
.25-.41% 18 43.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Required F-Statistic for significance at the .05 level = 2.72

influence convictions of subjects found in each of the blood alcohol
level categories, a .276 F-statistic was obtained. This value was not
sufficient to demonstrate significance at the .05 level, and the null
hypothesis of no significant difference between blood alcohol level
groups and prior drinking driving convictions was sustained.

C. Prior Drunk and Disorderly Convictions -- Forty-six of the
sample had prior convictions for drunk and disorderly behavior. In
comparing the number of prior drunk and disorderly convictions of
subjects found in each of the blood alcohol level categories, a 4.501
F-statistic was obtained. This value was sufficient to demonstrate a
significant difference between blood alcohol level groups at the .05
level of significance and the null hypothesis of no significant
difference between these groups with respect to prior drunk and dis-
orderly convictions was rejected. As blood alcohol level reached

hi her levels the number of drunk and disorderl convictions increased.
8 Y

48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NmH. N m a NH Nm NN n NN
NNN. a a m w an - mm
NHN. m o m m NH mm a on
NmN. e m N H oH me a co
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NNN. d m m NH Hm u Nm
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HO£OOH< voon monouo ow<
coo: mucooooom Ho>oH H0500H< moon

 

 

 

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49

The results of this analysis of variance are presented in Table 6.

TABLE 6.-- Analysis of variance of blood alcohol level and the
number of prior "drunk and disorderly" convictions
of the total sample.

 

    
 
 

Level of
Significance

 

F-Statistic

  

Categories Frequency Means

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

009-01670 24 1.6
.17-.20% 30 1.2
4.50 .01
.21-.241 28 1.6
.25-.41% 18 3.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Required F-Statistic for significance at the .05 level = 2.72

D. Marital Separation and Divorce -- Eighteen individuals stated
their drinking had contributed to marital separation and divorce.“ An
F-statistic of .204 was obtained when comparing the number of subjects
who stated they had experienced marital separation or divorced because
of drinking in each of the blood alcohol level categories. This value
was not sufficient to demonstrate a significant difference between these
blood alcohol level groups at the .05 level of significance. The null
hypothesis of no significant difference was sustained. Drinking related
marital separation was not significantly related to blood alcohol level.

E. WOrk Days Lost Monthly Due to Drinking -- Seven individuals

 

stated they had lost two or more days per month from.work because of
drinking. In comparing the stated number of work days lost per month
because of drinking for subjects in each of the blood alcohol level

groups, an F-statistic of .575 was obtained. This value was not

50

sufficient to demonstrate a significant difference between blood alcohol
level groups at the .05 level of significance. The null hypothesis of
no significant difference between blood alcohol level groups was
sustained.

F. Position Changes Caused by Drinking -- Five individuals stated
they had changed positions twice within the past five years because of
drinking. An F-statistic of 1.619 was obtained when comparing the
stated number of position changes within a five year period caused by
drinking of subjects found in blood alcohol level categories. This
value was not sufficient to demonstrate a significant difference between
the blood alcohol level groups at the .05 level of significance. The
null hypothesis was sustained. Stated position changes were not
significantly related to blood alcohol level.

G. Blackouts Experienced -- Eighteen individuals stated they had

 

experienced alcohol blackouts. An F-statistic of .290 was obtained when
comparing the stated number of blackouts experienced by subjects in the
blood alcohol level categories. This value was not sufficient to
demonstrate a significant difference between the blood alcohol level
groups at the .05 level of significance. The null hypothesis was
sustained. The stated number of blackouts were not significantly related
to blood alcohol level.

H. Delirium Tremens and Hallucinations Experienced -- Only one
person stated he had experienced delirium tremens or hallucinations.
This individual was found in the highest blood alcohol level category.

The null hypothesis was sustained on the basis of insufficient data.

51

I. Addiction Admissions -- Of the total sample, 10 individuals had
been diagnosed as alcohol addicts and had received hospital treatment in
Michigan for this problem. An F-statistic of 5.266 was obtained when
comparing the number of alcohol addiction admissions for subjects in the
blood alcohol level categories. This value was sufficient to demonstrate
a significant difference at the .05 level. The null hypothesis of no
significant difference was rejected. As blood alcohol level increased
to higher levels, the number of addiction admissions increased. The
results of this analysis are presented in Table 7.

TABLE 7.-- Analysis of variance of blood alcohol level of the total

sample and the number of those who had been admitted
into a Michigan hospital as an alcohol addict.

 

 

 

 

 

Level of
Categories Frequency Means F-Statistic Significance
.09-.l6% 24 .l
.17-.20% 30 .0
5.27 .01
.21-.24% 28 .2
.25-.4l% 18 1.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Required F-Statistic for significance at the .05 level = 2.72

J. Use of Medication Before Arrest Incident -- Fifteen, or 20 per
cent, of the 77 interviewed stated they had been using medication during
or prior to their drinking and the arrest incident. An F-statistic of
1.661 was obtained when comparing the number of these subjects in the
blood alcohol level categories. This value was not sufficient to

demonstrate significance at the .05 level. The null hypothesis of no

\a

 

52

significant relationship was sustained. The stated use of medication
did not increase significantly as blood alcohol increased.

K. Family History of Drinking Problems -- Eleven individuals
stated they had parents or siblings with drinking difficulties. An
F-statistic of 0.739 was obtained when comparing these subjects in the
blood alcohol level categories. This value was not sufficient to
demonstrate significance between blood alcohol level categories at the
.05 level of significance. The null hypothesis of no significant
relationship was sustained. Family drinking problems were not signifi-
cantly related to increased blood alcohol levels.

L. Illness -- Twenty-seven people stated they had been ill around
the time of the identifying arrest. An F-statistic of 2.751 was obtained
when comparing the number of these subjects in each blood alcohol level
category. This value was sufficient to demonstrate a significance
between blood alcohol level categories at the .05 level of significance.
The null hypothesis of no significant relationship was rejected. As
blood alcohol level increases, the number of related illnesses signifi-
cantly increase. The results of this analysis are presented in Table 8.

The Relationship Between Drinker
Classification and Various Situational
or Descriptive Variables

The following is a re-statement of the null hypothesis which
was tested:

H04: There is no significant relationship between

those classified as problem oriented drinkers

and any of the following description or
situational variables.

 

 

53

The four variables of this hypothesis were tested by the Chi-Square
test for association.

A. Agg -- The sample pOpulation was separated into five approxi-
mately equal groups on the basis of age distribution: 16 to 22, 23 to
26, 27 to 37, 38 to 47, and 48 to 71. The observed frequencies of
temporary problem drinkers and problem oriented drinkers were then
tabulated and tested. A Chi-Square statistic of 2.706 obtained was not
a sufficient difference to demonstrate a significance between age and
drinker classification. The null hypothesis of no significant re-
lationship was sustained. Temporary problem drinkers and problem oriented
drinkers are not significantly associated with any age group.

B. Use of Medication Before Arrest Incident -- The sample subjects
were categorized as to those who stated they had taken medication and
those who stated they were not taking medication in each drinker classi-

fication. A Chi-Square statistic of 1.088 was obtained. This value was
not sufficient to demonstrate significance at the .05 level of signi-
ficance and the null hypothesis was sustained. There was not a signi-
ficantly large group of problem oriented drinkers or temporary problem
drinkers who stated they were using medication at the arrest time.

0. Family History of DrinkingyProblems -- The sample subjects were
categorized as those who stated they had parents or siblings with drinking
difficulties and those who did not for each of the drinker classifications.
A Chi-Square statistic of .159 was obtained. This was not sufficient to
demonstrate a relationship at the .05 level of significance. The null
hypothesis was sustained. Neither problem oriented drinkers nor tem-

porary problem drinkers were significantly associated with stated family

drinking difficulties.

54

D. Illness -- The sample subjects were categorized as to positive
or negative response to the question of illness around the time of arrest,
and drinker classifications. A Chi-Square statistic of 5.870 was obtained.
This value was sufficient to demonstrate significance at the .02 level of
significance. The null hypothesis of no significant relationship between
those stating they had been ill prior to the arrest period and drinker
classification was rejected. Problem oriented drinkers stated they were
ill at the time of arrest significantly more often than did temporary
problem drinkers. The results of this analysis are presented in Table 9.

The Relationship Between Income
and Disposition of Arrest Action

The following is a re-statement of the null hypothesis which

was tested:

H05: There is no significant relatiohsip between
the income of the sample subjects during the
year they were arrested and the degree of
seriousness of legal action taken.

Sample subjects were separated into three approximately equal income
groups of: 1) $2,000 to $6,000; 2) $7,000 to $10,000; 3) $11,000 to
$22,000 based upon the number of individuals and four independent legal
disposition levels of: 1) case drOpped or no record; 2) conviction of
a change other than an alcohol related driving charge; 3) conviction
of driving while impaired; 4) conviction of driving under the influence.
A one-way analysis of variance test was used and an F-statistic of .378
was obtained. This value was not sufficient to demonstrate significance

at the .05 level. The legal disposition or outcome of the arrest was

not significantly dependent on income. The null hypothesis was sustained.

55

TABLE 8.-- Analysis of variance of blood alcohol level and the
number of the 77 interviewed who stated they had been
ill prior to the arrest incident.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level of
Categories Frequency Means F-Statistic Significance
.09-.l6% 16 1.1
.17-.20% 24 1.5
2.75 .05
.21-.24% 24 1.4
.25-.4l% 13 1.5

 

 

 

 

 

Required F-Statistic for significance at the .05 level = 2.72

TABLE 9.-- Chi-Square association results between drinker classi-
fication of the 77 subjects interviewed who stated
they had been ill prior to arrest incident.

 

     
     
     
 

     

Drinker
Classification

Not I11 Computed

Chi-Square

 

 

 

Temporary
Problem 17% 83%
Drinkers (N=4) (N=20)
5.87
Problem
Oriented 43% 57%
Drinkers (N=23) (N=30)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Required value for significance at the .05 level = 3.84

 

56

The Description of Problem Drinkers

Agg -- The mean age of all sample subjects was 34.8 years. Means
of 36.6 years and 32.4 years was computed for problem oriented drinkers
and temporary problem drinkers respectively. This difference was
examined by the use of the t-test for significant differences. A t-value
of 1.35 was obtained. This value was not sufficient to demonstrate a
significant difference at the .05 level of significance.

S25 -- Of the total sample, 95 were male and 74 per cent of the
classified male drinkers were classified as problem oriented drinkers.
Four of the five, or 80 per cent females, were classified as problem
oriented drinkers.

Ragg_- National Origin -- Ninety-five per cent of the sample were
white American. Four were Mexican American; three of whom were classi-
fied as problem oriented drinkers. One individual was of the black race
and could not be classified.

Marital Status -- Of the total 77 interviewed, 42, or 55 per cent
had been divorced or were separated from their spouse at the time of the
interview. Thirty-four of these were or had been divorced and eight were
separated. Of this group, 35, or 83 per cent were classified as problem
oriented drinkers. Of the 34 who had been divorced one or more times,
20 had remarried and many were married at the time of the interview.

Nine interviewed subjects had never been married. The mean age of
this group was 21 years, and two were classified as problem oriented
drinkers.

Income -- The mean incomes of those classified problem oriented

drinkers and the temporary problem drinkers was $8,470 and $10,370

57

respectively. This difference was examined by the use of the t-test for
significant differences. A t-value of 1.6812 was obtained. This value
was sufficient to demonstrate significance at the .05 level of signi-
ficance. The results of this analysis are presented in Table 10.

TABLE 10.-- T-Test for significant difference between mean incomes

of the 77 interviewed individuals classified as problem
oriented drinkers and temporary problem drinkers.

 

Categories N Means Computed t-value

 

Temporary
Problem 24 10,370
Drinkers

 

1.6812

Problem
Oriented 53 . 8,470
Drinkers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Required t-value for significance at the .05 level = 1.67

Expressed Drinker Classification -- Sample subjects were asked to
classify their drinking consumption for 1968 as light, moderate, or heavy.
Of those classified as problem oriented drinkers, two felt they should be
classified as light drinkers; 25 as moderate drinkers; and 26 as heavy
drinkers. Eight temporary drinkers felt they should be classified as
light drinkers; 13 as moderate drinkers; and three as heavy drinkers.

An examination of this data by the Chi-Square test for association
revealed a Chi-Square value of 17.118. This value was sufficient to

demonstrate a significant association at the .001 level of significance.

58

The results of this analysis are presented in Table 11.

TABLE ll.-- Chi-Square association between drinker classification
and self rated consumption level for the period in which
the arrest occurred for the 77 interviewed subjects.

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drinker Consumption Level Computed
Classification Light Moderate Heavy Chi-Square
Temporary
Problem 33% 54% 13%
Drinkers (N=8) (N=13) (N=3)
17.12
Problem
Oriented 4%' 47% 49%
Drinkers (N=2) (N=25) (N=26)
Required value for significance at the .05 level = 5.99
Legal Assistance -- During the collection of data, the interviewer

 

often asked questions to reduce the pressure of continually referring to
personal problems. One such "non-scheduled" question was, "Did you secure
legal assistance?" This was effective in providing a "pressure relief,"
but it was only used after some interviews had been conducted and,
therefore, responses were not tabulated for all interviewed.

0f the 63 interviewed who were asked, 23 had secured legal assistance.
0f the 43 classified as problem oriented drinkers, 16, or 37 per cent,
secured assistance. Four of these, or 25 per cent, were convicted of
driving under the influence of liquor while 23 of the 27, or 85 per cent,
of those who did not secure legal assistance were convicted of this
charge. 0f the 20 classified as temporary problem drinkers, seven, or

35 per cent, secured legal assistance and none were convicted of driving

59

under the influence of liquor while 11 of the 13, or 85 per cent, who
did not secure legal assistance were convicted of driving under the
influence.

Of the 16 problem oriented drinkers who secured assistance, eight,
or 50 per cent, were convicted of driving while impaired while two, or
seven per cent, of those not securing assistance were convicted of the
same charge. Of the seven subjects classified as temporary problem
drinkers who secured legal assistance, five, or 70 per cent, were
convicted of driving while impaired. Two, or 15 per cent, of the
classified temporary problem drinkers who did not secure legal assistance
were convicted of the same charge. The results of this questioning are
presented in Table 12.

Arresting Agency -- The results of differenct agency arrests action
was tabulated and examined for the three governmental unit police agencies
and drinker classifications. This was examined for patterns of arrest and
legal action which may exist. Conviction rates for the sum of driving
under the influence of liquor and driving while impaired charges increased
from state to county to municipal police departments for both drinker
classifications. The results of this examination are presented in Table 13.
Summary

This chapter includes the analysis of the data. The chapter was
divided into six sections, one for each hypothesis to be tested and a
section describing problem drinkers from supplementary data. Several
analyses were made in the sections.

In the following chapter the summary, conclusions, and recommendations

may be found.

60

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umnu momma no mmwumno woumaou HonOUHMuao: mo meauow>aoo movSHonw Magoo k

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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o N q Hosuo
wouauafia mumxawun
OH N w waana waw>fiun vmuamwuo
Emanoum
mucosamaw onu
mm mm e “was: waH>HuQ
N o N umsuo «
mumxcwun
vmuwwmaa Emanoum
m N n magns waw>auo humuoaaoa
moamnamcfi onu
HH HH 0 nova: wcw>wun
Hmuoe mocmumamm< ooamumwmm< cofiuamoawfin cowumofiMHmmmHU
Hummq Hmwoa mmwo umxcHHn
oz

 

 

 

 

 

 

.woaoauwmsu muomnnsm mo
onu mo mocmumwmmm flawed OD uuommou saga momma mo aofiufimoamao un.~H mam<e

 

61

TABLE 13.-- Arrests and conviction rates by arresting agencies for driving
under the influence of liquor and driving while impaired based
on action taken on the 92 classified drinkers.

 

Conviction Rates Among:

  
   
      
 
   

Arresting Problem Temporary
Agency Oriented Problem Total
Drinkers Drinkers

 

 

Michigan State 20% 100% 33%
Police (N=15) (N=3) (N=18)

County Sheriff's 54% 91% 64%
Offices (N=37) (N=16) (N=53)

Municipal Police 94% 100% 95%
Departments (N=16) (N=5) (N=21)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relation-
ship between blood alcohol level and Operationally defined stages of
problem drinking. An attempt was made to determine if blood alcohol
level could be used as an identification tool to classify drinkers into
distinct problem drinking categories.

Several other investigations of a secondary nature were made to
determine whether or not a relationship existed between the following:

1. Blood alcohol level and various descriptional
or situational variables.

2. Blood alcohol level and elements of identification
of problem oriented drinking.

3. Problem oriented drinking and various descriptional
or situational variables.

4. Income and disposition of cases.
A sample of individuals arrested for driving under the influence of
liquor in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties was selected for this

investigation for several reasons.

62

63

Among these were:

driving records, and state hospital records was conducted in the spring

of 1970.

l. The three-county residents represented the
broad spectrum of socio-economic, ethnic,
and cultural groups.

2. The three-county area provided a somewhat
limited geographic area for interviewing

of sample subjects.

The interviewing and the surveying of state criminal records,

On the basis of this information, drinkers were classified

into operationally defined, distinct categories of problem oriented

drinkers or temporary problem drinkers.

The hypotheses were tested using a t-test for significance, a

one-way analysis of variance, and a Chi-Square test for association.

this

Conclusions
The following are the conclusions based upon the findings from
investigation:

1. The mean blood alcohol level of those classified as problem
oriented drinkers was significantly greater than the mean
blood alcohol level of temporary problem drinkers.

2. Temporary problem drinkers were not found above .25% blood
alcohol level and problem oriented drinkers were not found
below .12% blood alcohol level.

3. No significant relationship existed between blood alcohol
level and the number of elements used to identify problem
oriented drinkers.

4. The lower age groups had lower blood alcohol levels than did
the middle aged and older drinkers.

5. No significant relationship existed between blood alcohol
level and the number of prior drinking driving convictions.

6. As blood alcohol level reached higher levels the number of
drunk and disorderly convictions increased.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

l6.

17.

18.

19.

20.

64

No significant relationship existed between blood alcohol
level and the number of subjects who stated they had ex-
perienced marital separation or divorce due to drinking.

No significant relationship existed between blood alcohol
level and the stated number of work days lost per month due
to drinking.

No significant relationship existed between blood alcohol
level and the stated number of position changes due to
drinking for a five-year period.

No significant relationship existed between blood alcohol
level and the stated number of blackouts experienced.

As blood alcohol level increased to higher levels, the
number of addiction admissions increased significantly.

No significant relationship existed between blood alcohol
level and the number of individuals who stated they had
been taking medication during or prior to their drinking.

No significant relationship existed between blood alcohol
level and the number of individuals who stated they had
parents or siblings with drinking problems.

As blood alcohol levels increased, the number of individuals
who stated they were ill around the time of arrest increased.

Those classified as problem oriented drinkers were not
significantly older than the classified temporary problem
drinkers.

No significant relationship existed between drinker classi-
fication and the number of individuals who stated they were
taking medication.

No significant relationship existed between drinker classi-
fication and the number of individuals who stated they had
parents or siblings with drinking difficulties.

Of the classified drinkers, significantly more problem oriented
drinkers stated they were ill than temporary problem drinkers.

No significant relationship eixsted between the 1968 incomes
and the disposition level based upon the range of no action or
dropped charged to conviction for driving under the influence.

Seventy-four per cent of the classified drivers were problem
oriented drinkers.

65

21. Distribution of problem oriented drinkers and temporary problem
drinkers did not appear to be governed by sex; however, the
arrested pOpulation was 95 per cent male.

22. Fifty-five per cent of the classified drinkers had been divorced
or separated from their spouse. This information was secured
from one to two years after the identifying arrest incident.

23. The mean income of temporary problem drinkers was significantly
higher than the mean income of problem oriented drinkers.

24. Problem oriented drinkers classified themselves as heavy drinkers
significantly more often than did temporary problem drinkers.

25. Securing legal assistance when faced with a charge of driving
under the influence of liquor seems to result in fewer con-
victions for this charge than for those who do not seek
assistance.

26. The conviction rates for driving under the influence or driving
while impaired seem to be dependent upon the arresting agency.

Discussion

The findings of this investigation indicate that there is a signifi-
cant difference in the mean blood alcohol levels of problem oriented
drinkers and temporary problem drinkers. This difference, however, is
not highly discriminate in determining problem oriented drinkers from
blood alcohol level achieved. The findings indicate that problem oriented
drinkers and temporary problem drinkers often reach the same blood alcohol
levels and the distributions of these two drinker classifications by
blood alcohol level overlap. These distributions show that there is a
blood alcohol level of .25% beyond which no temporary problem drinkers
were found and a blood alcohol level of .12% below which no problem
oriented drinkers are found. It should be noted the drinkers reaching
blood alcohol levels greater than .25% on the basis of this data probably
should be classified as problem oriented drinkers.

The findings have also indicated that the blood alcohol level groups

66

are significantly different at the .05 level on the basis of age. The
young groups tended to have lower blood alcohol levels than the older
groups. This substantiates the belief that some physical accommodations
to alcohol is a function of the number of years of drinking experience.

It should, however, be noted the mean ages of problem oriented drinkers

to temporary problem drinkers were not significantly different at the

.05 level. A possible conclusion is that blood alcohol level or increased
intake is generally associated with age or the number of years of drinking
experience, but this does not negate the belief that some individuals

may, through learning and some physical accommodation, develop a high
alcohol intake and associated drinking problems earlier in their life

and, therefore, be classified as problem oriented drinkers sooner than

the association of age and blood alcohol level would seem to indicate.

The number of drunk and disorderly convictions for individuals
found in blood alcohol level categories was significantly different at
the .05 level. Examination of the mean values of the groups indicate
that drinkers in the highest blood alcohol level category had higher
number of drunk and disorderly convictions than would be expected from
their percentage of the total sample.

The significant difference found between blood alcohol categories
and the number of addiction admissions of individuals within those groups
is the result of the high number of admissions in the highest blood
alcohol level category. Being admitted as an alcohol addict generally
occurs only when other attempted methods of treatment in the drinker's
home environment have failed or when a medical crisis is evident.

Admission, therefore, may be considered evidence of one of the most

67

serious alcohol problem stages a drinker may reach. This substantiates
the belief that the depth of the drinking problem is clearly related to
higher blood alcohol levels of .25% or greater.

The significant relationship of illness to blood alcohol level
categories and the significant association between drinker classification
and illness draws an association between increased consumption and in-
creased medical problems; i.e., as blood alcohol level increased, illness
increased and problem oriented drinkers are overly represented among
subjects who were ill. It is difficult to ascertain whether illness is
a result of a physiological difficulty or emotional stress. It seems
several of the stated illnesses of back problems or nervous conditions
could be psychosomatic in nature due to extreme emotional stress, high
anxiety, or physical fatigue around the time of the arrest incident.

The mean income of problem oriented drinkers was significantly
lower than temporary problem drinkers at the .05 level of significance.
One might hypothesize that the lower mean income of problem oriented
drinkers would make it more difficult for this drinker to secure legal
assistance and tend to increase the chance of conviction for driving
under the influence of liquor. The test for the association of income
and disposition levels did not indicate significance at the .05 level.
Similar percentages of the two drinker classifications secured legal
assistance regardless of income differences. A small percentage of
problem oriented drinkers were on welfare or collecting social security
as a result of a disabling injury. These subjects had maximum incomes
of two or three thousand dollars per year and may have contributed much

to these differences. It should also be noted that for those drinkers

68

getting legal assistance there seemed to be a higher conviction rate for
driving while impaired to go with the decreased conviction rate for
driving under the influence of liquor. These rates do not appear to be
dependent upon income.

When comparing blood alcohol groups on the basis of the number of
identifying elements individuals within groups possessed, it was found
these groups did not differ at the .05 level of significance. The
identifying elements or symptoms of drinking difficulties do not appear
to be additive; i.e., all conditions existing in the most "seriously"
problemed and just one or two in the "slightly” problemed.

It is interesting to note that blood alcohol level and the number
of prior drinking driving charges were not significantly related at
the .05 level.

Small numbers of affirmative responses for some variables limited
a fair statistical test of a relationship; i.e., those who stated they
had experienced delirium tremens or hallucinations. The null hypotheses
must remain Open until additional data is collected and further testing
is accomplished.

7 Recommendations for Further Research

1. A statewide study of arrested drinking drivers at .20% blood
alcohol levels and greater and .15% blood alcohol levels and
below to ascertain the usefulness of blood alcohol level as

.an identification tool of problem drinkers.

2. A follow-up study of the temporary problem drinkers to determine
the relative probability of becoming a problem oriented drinker.

3. A follow-up study of the temporary problem drinkers' driving
activities.

4. A study similar to this investigation designed and financed
to secure interviews from the maximum number of drinking drivers,
relatives, and employers.

10.

11.

12.

69

A study to ascertain the effectiveness of extended treatment
(beyond 10 to 14 days maximum) with problem oriented drinkers.

A study of treatment methods and their effectiveness with
temporary problem drinkers.

A study to determine nature of the illnesses of problem drinkers.
A state study of youthful drinkers to ascertain their drinking
experiences, tolerance, and drinking environment and to determine

educational approaches.

A study to determine the effectiveness of different educational
approaches on alcohol use and dangers.

A study to investigate this state's expenditures and accomplish-
ments in alcohol treatment and information systems.

A study to ascertain the reasons for differences of conviction
rates of state, county, and municipal police agencies.

A study to investigate State MOtor Vehicle Driver Services'
methods in controlling the drinking driver.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books

Committee on Medicolegal Problems, American Medical Association, Alcohol
and the Impaired Driver: A_Manual 23 the Medicolegal Aspects 2:
Chemical Tests for Intoxication. Chicago: American Medical Associa-
tion, 1968.

 

Michigan Statutes Annotated, 1968 Revision, Vol. 8. Illinois: Callaghan
and Company, 1968.

Publications of the Government,
Learned Societies, and
Other Organizations

 

Bjerver, K.B., L. Goldberg, and P. Linda, "Blood Alcohol Levels in
Hospitalized Victims of Traffic Accidents." Proceedings Lf the
Second International Conference Ln Alcohol and Road Traffic.—
Toronto: Toronto Garden City Press Cooperative, 1955, 92- 102.

Borkenstein, R. F., R. F. Crowther, R. P. Shumate,‘W. B. Ziel, and R. Zylman,
The Role Lf the Drinking Driver in Traffic Accidents. Department of
Police Administration, Indiana University, 1964.

Committee on Medical Aspects of Automobile Safety, American.Mbdical
Association, Physician's Guide for Determining Driver Limitations.
Chicago: American Medical Association, 1968.

Coppin, R.S., and G. VanOldenbeck, Driving Under Suspension and Revocation.
Sacramento, California: California Department of Motor Vehicles, 1965.

Gerber, S.R., "Vehicular Fatalities in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, U.S.A.,
Twenty Years Experience (1941-1960)." Proceedings g£.£§g_Third
International Conference gg_Alcohol and Road Traffic. London: B.M.A.
House (1962), 38-44.

Kaestner, Noel, Vinita Howard, and Edward warmoth, Oregon Study gf
Drinking Drivers. Oregon Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle
Division, July 1969.

70

71

Lucas, George H.W., W. Kalow, J.D. McColl, B.A. Griffith, and H. Ward
Smith, "Quantitative Studies of the Relationship Between Alcohol
Levels and Motor Vehicle Accidents." Proceedings 2g the Second
International Conference gg_Alcohol and Road Traffic. Toronto:
Toronto Garden City Press C00perative, 1955, 139-42.

 

 

 

Marrion, T.U., and R.W. Morrissey, "Intoxication Tests - A Third Year
Report." Proceedings pg the Iowa Academy g£_Science, Vol. 49
(1949), 273-74.

Traffic Safety for Michigan, l£_You Drink and Drive - Implied Consent.
Lansing, Michigan: Privately Printed (N.D.).

 

U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Alcohol and Alcoholism.
Washington: Government Printing Office, 1968.

U.S. Department of Transportation, 1968 Alcohol and Highway Safety Report
(to Congress). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1968.

Waller, Julian A., "Implications of Shifting Emphases on Alcohol Use and
Traffic Accidents." Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference
gg_A1cohol and Road Traffic. Baltimore: 1965, 262-66.

Periodicals

Birrell, J.H.W., "Blood Alcohol Levels in Drunk Drivers, Drunk and
Disorderly Subjects and Moderate Social Drinkers." The Medical
Journal 2: Australia, Vol. 2 (December 4, 1965), 949-53.

Freimuth, Henry 0., Spencer R. Watts, and Russell S. Fisher, ”Alcohol
and Highway Fatalities." Journal pg Forensic Sciences, Vol. 3,
No. 1 (January, 1958), 65-71.

Haddon, William, Jr., and Victoria A. Brandess, "Alcohol in the Single
Vehicle Fatal Accident." Journal 2; the American Medical Association,
Vol. 169 (April 4, 1959), 1587-93.

Heise, Herman A., "Alcohol and Automobile Accidents." Journal 9; the
American Medical Association, Vol. 103 (September, 1934), 739-41.

Holcomb, Richard L., "Alcohol in Relation to Traffic Accidents."

Journal gfi American Medical Association, Vol. III (September, 1938),
1076-85 0

Jellinek, E.M., Phases in the Drinking History of Alcoholics. Analysis
of a Survey Conducted by the Grapevine, Official Organ of Alcoholic

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1-880 ..

Kowalski, Julius M., Norman J. Ross, and Frank F. Fiorese, "Blood Alcohol
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Medical Journal, Vol. 131 (May, 1967), 659-64.

72

Little, Joseph W., "Control of the Drinking Driver: Science Challenges
Legal Creativity." American Bar Association Journal, Vol. 54
(June, 1968), 55-59.

McCarroll, James R., and William Haddon, Jr., "A Controlled Study of
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alcoholics." Science, Vol. 169 (1968), 319-20.

Pearson, A.T., "Alcohol and Fatal Traffic Accidents." The Medical
Journal 3: Australia (August, 1957), 166-67.

POpham, Robert E., "Alcoholism and Traffic Accidents." Quarterly
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Schmidt, Wolfgang, Reginald G. Smart, and Robert E. POpham, "The Role
of Alcoholism in Motor Vehicle Accidents." Traffic Safety Research
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Seals, Thomas A., "Today's Traffic Safety Delinquent: The Drinking
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73

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

Interview Guide Questionnaire

Appendix A

Interview Guide Questionnaire

Are you married? Yes( ) No( )
a. Have you been:
( )Married before ( )Divorced ( )Separated ( )Widowed

b. Has your drinking created problems with your marriage(s)?
Yes( ) No( )

How many job changes have you made in the past five years?
(not within your plant or company)

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+

a. In your Opinion, were any of these made because of drinking
or absenteeism due to drinking?

0 l 2 3 4 5 6 +

Has drinking created any problems in work attendance
Yes( ) No( )

a. How many days per month would you say you would be absent?

#( )
What is your annual (family) income?
1 2 3 4 5 +
0 l 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Have you been ill recently? Yes( ) No( )

What medication have you been taking?

( )None

 

Are you considered a typical drinker by your acquaintances?
Yes( ) No( )

Do other members of your family normally drink? Yes( ) No( )

Have there been alcohol problems or alcoholism in your family?
Yes( ) No( )

Have you ever experienced a period while drinking when you had
temporary amnesia; i.e., not recalling where you had left your
car or where you finished your drinking? #( ) No( )

74

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

75

a. Were you under any medication at this time? Yes( ) No( )
b. Was there any other special reason for this? Yes( ) No( )
Where do you generally drink?

( )Home ( )Restaurant ( )Bar ( )Others' homes

( )Other

 

Have you ever experienced delirium tremens or hallucinations?

‘#( ) No( )

How many drinks does it usually take to make you "feel good?"
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ll 12 13 14 15+

On the evening you were arrested, were you drinking the amount
you generally drink?

( )Usual ( )Less than usual ( )More than usual
On the night of your arrest, was your condition due to:

( )A celebration ( )Anger ( )Depression ( )Other

 

Were you under medication at this time? Yes( ) No( )

a. What?

 

Have you had any other problems with the police because of
drinking? Yes( ) No( )

D&D's( ) other DUIL's( ) DWI's( )
Family problems where police were called Yes( ) No( )
Have you or members of your family had an Opportunity to seek

social service assistance concerning problems related to your
drinking?

 

 

 

APPENDIX B

Alcoholism Treatment Centers

Appendix B

Alcoholism Treatment Centers

St. Lawrence Community
Health Center

1201 West Oakland
Lansing, Michigan

Sparrow Hospital
Alcoholism Unit

1215 E. Michigan Ave.
Lansing, Michigan

Salvation Army

Alcoholism Treatment Center
3611 Cass Ave.

Detroit, Michigan

Brighton Hospital
12851 E. Grand River Ave.
Brighton, Michigan

Towne Hospital
525 E. Grand Boulevard
Detroit, Michigan

Harrison Community Hospital
Alcoholism Program

Ballard Road

Mount Clemens, Michigan

St. Joseph Hospital
Alcoholism Treatment Center
20 Parkview

Mount Clemens, Michigan

Pontiac State Hospital
Alcoholism Unit
Pontiac, Michigan

St. Luke's Hospital
Alcoholism Therapy Unit
Saginaw, Michigan

76

War Memorial Hospital
Alcoholism Program
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

North WOodward Hospital
12024 WOodward Ave.
Highland Park, Michigan

Hurley Hospital
Flint, Michigan

Mayor's Rehabilitation Committee
on Skid Row Problems

585 E. Larned

Detroit, Michigan

The Battle Creek Health
Center
Battle Creek, Michigan

Sacred Heart Rehabilitation
Center

100 S. Eliott

Detroit, Michigan

Veteran's Administration
Hospital
Battle Creek, Michigan

Detroit - Wayne County
Health Department
City - County Building
Detroit, Michigan

National Council on
Alcoholism

202 E. Boulevard Drive
Flint, Michigan

APPENDIX C

Frequency Distribution of A11 Drinkers by Blood
Alcohol Level and Classification

Appendix C

TABLE 14.-- Frequency distribution of all drinkers by
blood alcohol level and classification.

Blood Problem Temporary Drinkers
Alcohol Oriented Problem Not
Level Drinkers Drinkers Classified

.41

.40%
. 9%
. 8%
. 7%
.36%
.35%

.32%

. 0%
. 9%

5
2
5
4
6
6
5
5
2
7
2
2
l

 

77

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