Risk, control and self-identity: Young drunk drivers' experiences with driving under the influence
of alcohol and drugs
Engelsk titel: Risk, control and self-identity: Young drunk drivers' experiences with driving under the influence
of alcohol and drugs
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Författare:
Fynbo, Lars
Email: lfo@sfi.dk
Språk: Eng
Antal referenser: 38
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 14093558
Sammanfattning
AIM - This article explores how young Danish drunk (and drug) drivers relate to the risk of driving
under the influence (DUI). DESIGN - The study is based on qualitative interviews with 25 convicted
drunk drivers who in 2010 participated in mandatory alcohol and traffic safety courses. The analysis
follows Stephen Lyng’s concept of "edgework", focusing on volitional risk taking and its effect
on the acting individual’s self-identity. RESULTS - Drawing on the interviewees’ accounts of being
arrested for drunk driving, the analysis discusses three different categories of young drunk drivers.
Those in the first category view a DUI arrest as a loss of control and a reminder of the risk
of DUI. Those in the second present DUI as a reaction to what they perceive as untenable social
demands. Those in the third see loss of control - such as causing a traffic accident - as the ultimate
way of claiming control over their lives. CONCLUSION - The study shows that young drunk drivers
have different associations with DUI-related risks. The more constrained they feel in relation to
society, the more likely it is that they will divorce negative experiences related to DUI such as being
arrested or causing a traffic accident.