Trends in Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Cannabis Among Young Adults in Washington State From Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To examine trends in young adult self-reported driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI-A), cannabis (DUI-C), and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (DUI-AC) in a state with legalized nonmedical cannabis use from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. <b>Methods.</b> We used logistic regression and annual statewide data from the Washington Young Adult Health Survey to assess DUI behaviors from 2016 to 2021. <b>Results.</b> Both prepandemic yearly changes in prevalence and deviations from those trends during the pandemic years were small and not statistically significant. However, prevalence estimates were alarming: 12.0% of participants reported DUI-A, 12.5% reported DUI-C, and 2.7% reported DUI-AC. Exploratory moderation analyses indicated a relative increase in DUI-A during 2020 among 4-year college students relative to young adults not attending 4-year colleges. <b>Conclusions.</b> Young adults in Washington State continued to engage in risky DUI behaviors during the pandemic. College students may have increased their likelihood of DUI-A during COVID-19. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> Young adults, for whom vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death, showed little change in DUI behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is continued need for young adult DUI prevention efforts. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2024;114(S8):S698-S701. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307767).