Citation

Stelter RL, Kupersmidt JB, Brodar K, Eisensmith S. J. Prim. Prev. 2019; 40(4): 449-461.

Affiliation

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10935-019-00555-2

PMID

31346838

Abstract

Driving under the influence of drugs (e.g., marijuana, prescription medications) is a major public health and safety concern. As a relatively understudied and growing problem, prevention strategies that address it are not as clear, well-tested, or evidence-based as those developed for preventing other risky behaviors such as drunk driving. Key components of a successful prevention of this harmful behavior are the efforts of practitioners working in the areas of substance abuse prevention and highway safety for whom drugged driving is likely a part, but not the sole focus, of their job. We surveyed 238 prevention professionals working in substance abuse prevention and highway safety from 46 states to understand their needs, barriers, and self-efficacy to prevent drugged driving in their communities. Most respondents reported needing training and resources to implement strategies related to drugged driving, particularly with regard to engaging youth and parents, if they are to address this problem effectively. The majority of respondents also reported low levels of self-efficacy for implementing a wide range of drugged driving prevention strategies. Our findings reveal that the professionals we need to feel prepared and efficacious to prevent drugged driving have generally low feelings of confidence in their ability to do so.


Keyword: Cannabis impaired driving

Language: en

Keywords

Community coalitions; Driving under the influence of drugs; Drugged driving; Highway safety; Impaired driving; Substance abuse prevention