Author(s) :

Zixian Yang.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study explores driver behavior through correlational relationships between different variables and crash-related factors, particularly in the form of alcohol use. Though alcohol consumption being a risk factor contributing to car crashes had already been the focal point of previous studies (Hingson and Winter, 2003, Shyhalla, 2014), its amount and impact on different aspects of crashes remains relatively unexplored. Using crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three individual models (one logistic regression and two multinomial logistic regressions) were developed to analyze the effects of alcohol consumption and other control variables on an individual’s seatbelt usage, injury severity sustained, and collision type experienced. It was determined that alcohol usage had substantial effects on crash-related factors by significantly reducing seatbelt usage, increasing the likelihood of severe injury, and had some influence on shaping the type of collision experienced. Other variables—age and sex—played a smaller role in influencing these factors. This research reinforced the dangers of alcohol usage through not only strengthening its identity as a risk factor to crashing, but expanding on its impacts on other components as well, stressing the importance of shaping drivers to operate vehicles alcohol-free.