The most straightforward explanation for the differences in lifetime rates of hazardous use is that these rates in hazardous use actually increased from 1992 to 2002. Interestingly, there are several lines of support for the notion that hazardous use as it relates to alcohol use should exhibit decreases from 1992 to 2002. As Chou et al. (2005) note, the prevalence of drinking drivers (BAC ≥ 0.05%) has decreased from 1986 (8.4%) to 1996 (7.7%) based on national roadside surveys (Voas et al., 1998). Further, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), using data from the Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS), reported that the percentage of young drivers (aged 15–20) who are involved in a fatal crash and found to be intoxicated decreased 24% between 1991 and 2001 (NHTSA, 2010; see Chou et al., 2005). Similar reports from NIAAA (1993; 2003) using FARS data suggest a 15% decrease in alcohol-related fatal traffic crashes for individuals aged 16–24 years between 1991 and 2001. In accordance with these data, Chou et al. (2005) found that self-reported rates of drinking and driving decreased from 1992 to 2002.
