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Published VersionCC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
A qualitative study on young drivers’ experiences with, and perceptions of others’ engagement in, and approval of, next day drink driving
Journal of Safety Research, Vol.96, pp.112-119
2026
Abstract
Introduction: A less understood component of drink driving is next day drink driving (ND-DD), which refers to driving the following morning after drinking while potentially above the legal limit. Evidence suggests young drivers are engaging in ND-DD more frequently than drink driving. However, young drivers’ experiences of ND-DD remain unclear. As proposed by Social Norm Theory, believing others engage in, or approve of, a behavior can result in an individuals’ own engagement in the same behavior. Accordingly, this qualitative study aimed to explore young drivers’ experiences with, and perceptions of others’ engagement in, and approval of, ND-DD. Method: Thirty-one young drivers (18–24 years) residing in Queensland, Australia, participated in a one-on-one interview. Template analysis was employed to data. Four themes were recognized: (1) Drink driving (and ND-DD) experiences; (2) “People always drink drive:” Descriptive norms; (3) “More approved of than drink driving:” Contradictions of ND-DD and drink driving; and (4) Location matters. Results: Young drivers described more experiences of ND-DD than drink driving (T1). Drink driving and ND-DD were described as occurring frequently by others (T2). In addition, drink driving was perceived to be disapproved by others, but ND-DD was perceived as more approved by others (T3). Many described that drink driving and ND-DD may occur more frequently in non-metropolitan locations compared to metropolitan locations (T4). Conclusions: Young drivers described experiences of ND-DD and believed others often engage in, and approve of, the behavior. These findings suggest ND-DD may be a concern for road safety, highlighting further understanding is warranted into this risky and potentially illegal driving behavior. Practical Applications: Drink driving research should consider expanding to ND-DD, which will contribute to understanding this behavior. In addition, the role of social norms on ND-DD warrants further investigation, which may guide the development of norm-based messages to reduce the behavior.
Details
- Title
- A qualitative study on young drivers’ experiences with, and perceptions of others’ engagement in, and approval of, next day drink driving
- Authors
- Michelle Nicolls (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research CollaborationLisa Buckley - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research Collaboration
- Publication details
- Journal of Safety Research, Vol.96, pp.112-119
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jsr.2025.12.003
- ISSN
- 1879-1247; 0022-4375
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/)
- Grant note
- This research was funded by the MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration Grant. The Motor Accident Insurance Commission provided funding to the University of the Sunshine Coast to support the MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration to conduct research activities that aim to reduce the incidence of motor vehicle crashes.
- Organisation Unit
- Road Safety Research Collaboration; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991188344902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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