Alcohol-related traffic fatalities among youth and young adults - United States, 1982-1989

Article Abstract:

Injuries cause half of all deaths among young people aged 15 to 24 years, and three-quarters of these deaths involve motor vehicles. Alcohol use increases the risk of an accident, and young drivers are at particularly high risk because the relative risk for an accident is greater for young drivers even at very low blood alcohol concentrations (BACs), and is greater at all BACS than it is for older drivers with comparable BACs. A fatal crash is considered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to be alcohol-related if either a driver or a pedestrian had a BAC of 0.01 grams per deciliter or greater. From 1982 to 1989, the percentage of alcohol-related traffic fatalities (ARTFs) decreased for three age groups (15 to 17 years, 18 to 20, and 21 to 24 years), but increased for drivers aged 25 or older. However, rates for involvement in fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers were lowest for those in this oldest group, and younger drivers were more likely to be intoxicated. This remains a major public health problem. In 1989, about 7,000 young people between 15 and 24 years old died in alcohol-related crashes, and the rate of alcohol involvement suggests that effective intervention programs are needed. The reduction in ARTFs and driving while impaired among young drivers is probably related to the rise in the minimum drinking age, educational efforts, student groups such as Students Against Driving Drunk, and stricter laws regarding lower BACs in young people. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Demographic aspects, Alcohol and youth, Juvenile drinking

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Safety-belt use among drivers involved in alcohol-related fatal motor-vehicle crashes - United States, 1982-1989

Article Abstract:

By the beginning of the 1990s, almost half of motor-vehicle drivers wore seat belts. From 1983 to 1989, seat belts were credited with saving over 20,000 lives and preventing over half a million moderate-to-critical injuries. Research has revealed that drivers who wear seatbelts are less likely to be involved in crashes and violate traffic laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that drinking drivers involved in fatal crashed were less likely to use safety-belts, suggesting that there is an association between the propensity to drive after drinking and other risk-taking behaviors. The NHTSA is conducting a national campaign to increase safety-belt usage to 70 percent by 1992 through education about the benefits, increased enforcement, and establishing a national coalition of private interests. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Automobiles, Seat belts

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Trends in alcohol-related traffic fatalities, by sex - United States

Article Abstract:

The number of women who are involved in alcohol related traffic accidents is not declining as quickly as the number of men. The number of women involved in fatal accidents increased 28% between 1982 and 1990. The number of female licensed drivers increased 12% between 1982 and 1989, compared to a 7% increase for males. Because males have been involved in the greatest number of traffic fatalities and alcohol-related traffic fatalities (ARTFs), prevention and education programs have not targeted females. Society is more accepting of female drinkers and drivers. Women are also driving more at night and on weekends. Education programs aimed at women should include the effects of alcohol on their driving ability, alcohol metabolism and degree of intoxication with a specific number of drinks. Both metabolic factors and intoxication levels differ between men and women.

Crime, Women automobile drivers, Women drivers

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