Knowledge and behaviors of drunk-driving offenders in Guangzhou, China

Aims\ud\udTo better understand the knowledge and behaviors of drunk-driving offenders relating to alcohol use and driving in the context of recently amended Chinese legislation, and to investigate the involvement of alcohol-use disorders.\ud\udDesign\ud\udThe study was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2012.\ud\udSetting and participants: Data were collected at a local jail and 101 participants were recruited while in detention.\ud\udMeasures\ud\udQuestionnaire items examined demographic characteristics as well as practices and knowledge relating to alcohol use and driving. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to assess hazardous drinking levels.\ud\udFindings\ud\udKnowledge about the two legal limits for “drink driving” and for “drunk driving” was low, at 28.3% and 41.4%, respectively. AUDIT scores indicated that a substantial proportion of the offenders had high levels of alcohol-use disorders. Higher AUDIT scores were found among the least experienced drivers, those who lacked knowledge about the legal limits, and recidivist drunk drivers.\ud\udConclusions\ud\udLimited awareness of legal alcohol limits might contribute to offending; high AUDIT scores suggest that hazardous drinking levels may also contribute. This study provides important information to assist in refining community education and prevention efforts