STUDENTS WHO DRIVE MORE LIKELY TO FLIRT WITH SUBSTANCES

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A recent University of Missouri researcher found
that students are more likely to drink, smoke cigarettes and smoke
marijuana when they receive driver's licenses.

"The increase in substance use in all three categories after getting a
license supports the notion that new drivers have more opportunities for
use," said Denis McCarthy, assistant psychology professor at MU, whose
study is the first to test changes in alcohol and other drug use after
obtaining a driver's license.

McCarthy examined 2,865 high school students over the course of one year.
The surveys measured students' views on alcohol, cigarette and marijuana
use, alcohol use by peers, and attitudes toward drinking and driving.
Results showed that when students initially obtained a license, they were
more likely to be involved in substance use.

Simultaneously, the students' attitudes toward drinking and driving
reflected an increased awareness of the dangers related to such behavior
for new drivers. Theoretically, this meant that students would drive to
another location to use the substances, but, knowing the dangers of
drinking and driving, not use them while in a vehicle. "In many states, the
courts suspend the driver's licenses for underage youth who are caught
drinking, regardless of whether they are driving or not," McCarthy said.
"This study would indicate that this is a sensible plan, since it cuts down
on substance use."