One or Two Drinks Before Going for a Ride? – Prevalence Estimation of Driving Under the Influence via the Unrelated Question Model

Abstract

Until now, there has been almost no research as on the prevalence of the willful acceptance of driving under the influence in Germany. In this study, the respective prevalence was determined by employing the Unrelated Question Model (UQM; Greenberg et al., 1969), which is an indirect questioning technique for sensitive topics. During this process, the influence of comprehension instruction was also examined. In an online survey, students of the University of Tübingen were questioned, either via direct questioning or via UQM (in two variations). A lifetime prevalence of 44 % was estimated for all three groups. Explanations for the results are discussed and future research questions regarding both driving while intoxicated and the mechanisms of the UQM are presented.