Currently little scientific evidence exists for determining the reasons for driving while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Drunken driving is a factor in one-fifth of all traffic accidents. In Finland around 80 people die and one thousand are injured annually in accidents caused by drunken driving.
One-third of all culprits themselves are injured in a traffic accident at some point in their lives. Driving under the influence of drink is often a reflection of social, economic, health and alcohol problems.
Earlier studies show that about half of Finish drunken driving offenders have an alcohol problem and that two-thirds are repeat offenders.
The project is part of the Finnish Academy's Substance Abuse and Addiction Research Programme.