# Attitudes and behaviours on driving under the influence of drugs: a multigroup analysis of non-drug users and people who use methamphetamine

## TL;DR

This study compares attitudes and behaviors toward driving under the influence of drugs between methamphetamine users and non-users to understand how these factors relate to dangerous driving.

## Contribution

The study reveals distinct differences in how attitudes toward drug driving influence dangerous behavior in methamphetamine users versus non-users.

## Key findings

- Methamphetamine users have more favorable attitudes toward drug driving compared to non-users.
- Favorable attitudes toward drug driving risks predict higher dangerous driving behavior among methamphetamine users.
- Unfavorable attitudes toward sanctions for drug driving predict lower dangerous driving behavior among methamphetamine users.

## Abstract

Stimulant-affected drivers are overrepresented in global road trauma statistics, however, studies to date have not accurately defined how drug consumption contributes to increased risk of road trauma. This study examined whether attitudes toward drug driving predicts dangerous driving behaviour among people who currently use methamphetamine, and whether this differs to individuals with no history of any drug use.

Three attitude factors (favourable attitudes toward risks, unfavourable attitudes toward sanctions, and favourable peer attitudes) were explored using an adapted version of attitudes towards drug driving scale and dangerous driving was measured using the Dula Dangerous Driving Index.

A multigroup structural equation model indicated that individuals who use methamphetamine report more favourable attitudes toward drug driving compared to those who have never used drugs. Among people who use methamphetamine, a favourable attitude towards drug driving risks predicted higher dangerous driving behaviour scores, while more unfavourable attitudes toward sanctions for drug driving predicted lower scores. Among those with no history of substance use, favourable peer attitudes toward drug driving predicted dangerous driving behaviour.

Attitudes towards drug-driving, and their relationship to dangerous driving behaviour differs between those who use methamphetamine and those who do not have a history of substance usage. Targeted campaigns aimed specifically at reducing methamphetamine-related road trauma should challenge general underlying beliefs and attitudes about drug driving, rather than simply the impact of potential sanctions or influence of peers.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12954-026-01400-6.