An analysis of dry county status and drinking and driving in Texas

Abstract

The goal of this study was to explore county prohibitions of alcohol sales, mainly dry county (counties that have opted not to sell alcohol) versus wet county (counties that sell alcohol), and to examine its impact on drinking and driving in Texas. Data about automotive fatal crashes in the State of Texas between 2001 and 2005 were retrieved from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between drinking and driving, county of residence and dry status, along with other factors. Findings from this analysis indicate that individuals who lived in wet counties were more likely to drink and drive and cause accidents in wet counties. Results from several of the models indicated that people who were from dry counties were less likely to be drunk and be involved in a fatal car accident.

Keywords:

• Drinking and Driving
• Dry County
• GIS
• Texas