The effectiveness of alternative transportation programs in reducing impaired driving: A literature review and synthesis

Introduction: Studies have shown that approximately half of arrested intoxicated drivers had their last alcoholic drink at a licensed bar or restaurant. Current efforts to prevent intoxicated patrons from leaving licensed establishments and driving home have been only partially successful. Since a high proportion of drinkers drive to their drinking destination, promoting the use of alternative transportation (AT) – including safe ride shuttles, free or subsidized taxi and ridesharing services, voluntary or paid designated driver programs, and more accessible public transportation – is an important strategy for preventing impaired driving. The primary goal of this study was to review and synthesize the findings of research studies designed to test the effectiveness of AT programs in reducing alcohol-impaired driving. A secondary goal was to report if using AT has led to any unintended consequences, in particular greater alcohol consumption. Method: We identified relevant academic articles, new articles, government reports, and other documents (English only) through the University of Chicago library, Google Scholar, and Google Search. We also included published articles recommended by peers. Key search terms included: alternative transportation; safe rides; designated driver; alcohol-impaired driving; alcohol consumption, cost effectiveness; and reduce drunk driving. Initially, we identified 168 potentially relevant sources, of which only 57 were academic articles. After a thorough review, we narrowed down the number of relevant articles to 125 including some background articles and government reports. Results: Some AT programs produced reductions in one or more of the following outcomes: (1) impaired driving; (2) impaired driving crashes; (3) driving under the influence (DUI) arrests; and (4) traffic crashes in general, but others were not shown to be effective. A few programs resulted in greater self-reported alcohol use, but there were no significant findings indicating that drinking when using AT led to an increase in alcohol-related harms such as public intoxication, assaults, or other alcohol-related crime. Of the studies that conducted a cost-benefit analysis, most showed that AT programs yielded a positive benefit, but these studies did not include a sufficient number of variables to be considered true cost-benefit analyses. Conclusions: There is mixed evidence regarding the effectiveness of AT programs. Evaluations with more rigorous quasi-experimental and experimental designs are needed to identify which types of AT programs work best for different types of communities and target groups. Practical Applications: The literature review and synthesis revealed that the most successful AT programs typically have some of these attributes: (1) social acceptance; (2) high level of public awareness; (3) low cost; (4) year-round availability; (5) provide rides to and from drinking venues; (6) several sponsors that provide funding); (7) user convenience; and (8) perceived safety.     

山东省耕地变化动态平衡研究

山东省耕地资源总量虽在近几年相对增加,但总体仍呈下降趋势,且人均耕地面积下降速度更快,耕地资源状况不容乐观。目前全省各地市耕地总量变化的动态平衡程度不一,德州市是耕地资源动态平衡相对最好的地市,其次为青岛、枣庄和泰安市,莱芜市耕地资源动态平衡状况较差。利用主成分分析方法的计算结果表明,经济活动、社会人口和农业科技发展水平等因素为影响山东省耕地数量变化的主要驱动因子;在以上研究的基础上,预测了山东省人口承载力和2010年粮食短缺情况。     

Fatigued and drowsy driving: a survey of attitudes, opinions and behaviors

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence suggesting that the problem of fatigued or drowsy driving is an important contributor to road crashes. However, not much is known about public perceptions of the issue. The purpose of this study was to obtain information on attitudes, opinions, and professed practices related to fatigued or drowsy driving. METHODS: The data were gathered by means of a public opinion poll among a representative sample of 750 Ontario drivers. RESULTS: A majority of drivers (58.6%) admitted that they occasionally drive while fatigued or drowsy. Of greater importance, 14.5% of respondents admitted that they had fallen asleep or "nodded off" while driving during the past year. Nearly 2% were involved in a fatigue or drowsy driving related crash in the past year. Respondents were also asked about measures they take to overcome fatigue or drowsiness. Results indicate that relatively ineffective measures such as opening the window or playing music are the most popular; the most effective preventive measure--taking a rest--is the least popular. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of the behavior, coupled with the ineffective prevention measures favored by the public suggest there is a need for increasing their level of awareness and knowledge about the problem. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Results from this study further emphasize the importance of increasing the fatigued and drowsy driving knowledge base and the need to educate the public about it.     

Aggressive driving: a survey of attitudes, opinions and behaviors

INTRODUCTION: Aggressive driving encompasses a continuum of behaviors that range from extreme acts, such as shootings, to less severe manifestations, such as arguments and gestures. It is clear from the available data that aggressive driving is not uncommon and very risky. However, little is known about the opinions and practices of drivers. The purpose of this study was to help bridge these gaps. METHODS: The data were gathered by means of a public opinion poll among a representative sample of 1,201 Canadian drivers. Univariate frequency distributions and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and logistic regression and generalized linear latent models were used to summarize the data. RESULTS: It was found that the issue of aggressive driving is a significant one as a considerable percentage of drivers admits to it. The results coming from the logistic regression and the generalized linear latent model suggest that male and younger drivers are more likely to behave aggressively in traffic and that behaving more aggressively is associated with a history of traffic tickets. DISCUSSION: When gauging people's attitudes, opinions, and behaviors, it becomes clear that aggressive driving is a considerable problem. There also seems to be a need for a better understanding of which specific behaviors respondents associate with the generic term "aggressive driving." IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Results from this study further emphasize the need of increasing the aggressive driving knowledge base.     

The Effects of Learner's Permit Requirements in Tennessee

Sixteen and 17 year-olds were surveyed at motor-vehicle offices in Tennessee after qualifying for their first driver's license. When the survey was conducted during October and November 1995, neither a learner's permit nor completion of a driver education course was required to obtain a license at age 16 or 17. The survey was repeated during December and January 1996–97, approximately one year after a requirement to hold a learner's permit for 90 days or complete a driver education course was implemented. Results from the 1991 drivers (ages 16 and 17) surveyed indicated Tennessee's licensing law change was associated with approximately 100 additional miles and 8 additional hours of practice driving prior to licensure for the typical 16 or 17 year-old, most often while supervised by a parent or guardian. Results are discussed in relation to the prelicense practice driving requirements of graduated licensing systems.     

驾驶行为理论模型研究概述

通过回顾驾驶行为的研究概况,重点介绍了4种理论模型:计划行为理论、威慑理论、事故原因模型、情境中介模型。在此基础上,分析了我国驾驶行为研究现状,并提出开展我国驾驶行为研究的初步建议和未来的研究方向:发展适用于我国的驾驶行为模型,并进一步研究在我国文化背景和道路环境下,不安全驾驶行为与示范性规范、文化因素以及情境变量等因素之间的关系,从心理学角度减少不安全驾驶行为和事故卷入,改善交通安全,提高交通效率。     

全球视角下的企业ESG绩效驱动因素解析

企业是践行可持续理念、实现可持续发展目标的重要主体。企业需要在生产经营过程中统筹提升环境（E）、社会（S）、治理（G）三个维度的ESG绩效。基于外部压力和内部实力,本文预先设定了国家背景、行业属性、金融实力三种因素驱动企业改善ESG绩效的理论假设。为检验假设,本文使用多元线性回归和多层线性模型对来自55个国家、共计6139家上市公司样本进行实证研究。结果表明,即使在控制企业规模、风险管理和社会声誉的情况下,国家可持续发展水平、行业绿色发展水平、企业金融实力仍能显著提升企业ESG绩效。其中,国家和行业变量不仅直接促进了企业ESG绩效的提升,还在更高维度上通过调节CFP-ESG的关系间接促进企业ESG绩效的提升。本研究有助于企业更好地制定实施可持续发展战略,也能为投资者评估并筛选出ESG绩效优异的企业提供科学参考。     

中国土地沙漠化、水土流失和盐渍化的原因和驱动力:总体分析

论文收集了102篇沙漠化、79篇水土流失和64篇盐渍化的案例研究(共245篇),运用总体分析方法,把造成3种生态环境问题的因素归结为四类原因(农业扩张、资源利用、基础设施建设和自然因素)和五类驱动因子(经济、制度、技术、文化和人口)。分析结果表明,生态环境问题绝大多数由多因子所引起;在原因层面上,对沙漠化、水土流失和盐渍化案例影响最频繁的因子分别是农业扩张因子(92%)、资源利用因子(90%)和自然因素(86%);从驱动因子的层面上看,对沙漠化、水土流失和盐渍化案例影响最频繁的都是经济因素,影响频率分别为86%、81%和89%;总体来看,在发生生态环境问题的区域中,往往以经济因素的影响最为常见(85%),其次为技术(69%)和人口因素(62%)。因此,不适当地发展经济是造成我国沙漠化、水土流失和盐渍化日益严重的重要原因。     

中国农牧交错区土地利用变化空间格局与驱动力分析

以遥感与GIS为技术支撑,运用专家知识,结合实际,从农牧交错区的实质出发,定量地计算出我国的农牧交错区。在此基础上,分析我国农牧交错区近10年的耕地、草地变化的空间格局。整个农牧交错区的耕地以变林地、草地为主。耕地的变化以内蒙古的变化为大,主要分布于它的中、东部地区。草地主要以变耕地、城镇为主,分布于内蒙古与东北三省接壤处。最后探讨这种格局的成因。耕地变化受经济发展、人口增加、农业结构等驱动,主要表现为人文作用。草地变化受人为与自然的驱动,主要为人类活动的影响,表现为经济发展与草地过牧。     

蒸汽驱采废水回用高压锅炉给水处理工艺的研究

对蒸汽驱采废水回用高压锅炉给水处理工艺进行了研究,并对比分析了不同的工艺组合流程对蒸汽驱采废水回用高压锅炉给水的处理效果。结果表明,蒸汽驱采废水回用高压锅炉给水处理在技术上是可行的,并提出推荐工艺流程。