Drinking and Driving Around with Open Alcohol Containers: A Sport for All Seasons in Providence
Monday, March 13, 2023
Providence is known as Rhode Island’s capital for government, culture, food, the arts, sports entertainment, and so much more. Previously, I wrote an opinion column -- “Providence: The Capital of Litter” -- Providence is also trending as the capital of litter.
As I walk the streets of my neighborhood, I am sickened at the constant amount of litter that is tossed on streets and sidewalks. This winter what is truly alarming is the ever-increasing volume of empty alcohol containers cast aside, and not just little nip bottles that are prevalent everywhere in Rhode Island. Large containers of assorted wine, beer, and hard liquor are increasingly found within the litter stream. Clearly, some Rhode Islanders, more than we might think, are drinking and driving.
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Drinking and driving is not a new phenomenon. Could the after dark screeching of tires, inordinately loud mufflers, revving of engines, speeding, and road rage conflicts involving autos, pedestrians, and bicyclists be a byproduct of an increase in drinking and driving in RI?
Many are searching for answers as to what could be causing an uptick in these behaviors. A 2022 study in the International Journal of Mental Health Addiction, “Changes in Alcohol Use During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Impact of the Lockdown Conditions and Mental Health Factors,” states the obvious:
“The COVID-19 pandemic, which has necessitated drastic measures to limit the spread of virus, imposed abrupt, often dramatic changes to individuals’ professional, social, and family lives as well as interrupting a range of leisure activities. The impact of containment measures on health and mental health is a real concern, and studies tend to confirm a rise in psychological distress, anxiety, and depression in the general population, especially among the young.”
Numerous online surveys conducted during the early lockdown assessed drinking behaviors and perceived changes in alcohol use behaviors, as well as the factors associated with these. Specifically, these studies assessed the impact of COVID-19-related stressors, such as sociodemographic data, lockdown conditions, and mental health, on alcohol outcomes (frequency, quantity, and changes) among the general population. The research demonstrated that half of the population maintained their usual drinking habits, whereas one quarter decreased, and one quarter increased their alcohol use.
Twenty-one percent of the sample reported that they used alcohol every day or almost, which is higher than usual rates of daily use (10%). According to this study’s results, the main reasons given for the increase in alcohol consumption were relaxation and having more time than before. Moreover, intolerance of uncertainty, which is highly correlated with depression and anxiety, is also associated with the frequency of alcohol use.
One doesn’t have to be a participant in a scientific study to know that we’ve all been impacted by three years of Covid-19. How do we explain the present situation where some people drink and drive and simply pitch alcohol containers and litter of all sorts out their car windows into public domain? Is it lack of personal responsibility? Is it a measure of a neighborhood’s mindset? Is it a direct result that many people have nicer cars than places to live? The car as a personal sanctuary is a long-standing American ideal.
Fueling that ideal could be ever-increasing frustration, anger, hopelessness. Police departments often do not have the time or resources to tackle the issue of enforcing the illegality of drivers with open containers in their cars. During this time of year, many appreciate the excitement of March Madness college basketball tournaments. Sadly, the madness of drinking and driving around with open containers is a sport for all seasons in Providence.
Michael Veracka, Landscape Ecologist, is a Horticulture Professor Emeritus from SUNY Farmingdale His design practice focuses on sustainable design, edible landscaping and the adaptive reuse of urban spaces.
