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Pelletti G, Boscolo-Berto R, Anniballi L, Giorgetti A, Pirani F, Cavallaro M, Giorgini L, Fais P, Pascali JP, Pelotti S. Prevalence of alcohol-impaired driving: a systematic review with a gender-driven approach and meta-analysis of gender differences. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03291-3. [PMID: 39060442 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03291-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of studies investigated the factors that contribute to driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in relation to gender. However, a gendered approach of the scientific evidence is missing in the literature. To fill this gap, a gender-driven systematic review on real case studies of the last two decades was performed. In addition to the gender of the drivers involved, major independent variables such as the period of recruitment, the type of drivers recruited, and the geographical area where the study was conducted, were examined. Afterwards, a meta-analysis was performed comparing alcohol-positive rates (APR) between male and female drivers in three subgroups of drivers: those involved in road traffic accidents, those randomly tested on the road, and volunteers. METHODS Three databases were searched for eligible studies in October 2023. Real-case studies reporting APR in man and women convicted for DUI of alcohol worldwide were included. Univariate analysis by ANOVA with post-hoc tests identified the independent variables with a significant impact on the dependent variable APR, according to a relationship subsequently investigated by standard multiple linear regression. The meta-analysis of random effects estimates was performed to investigate the change in overall effect size (measured by Cohen's d standardized mean difference test) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Among papers addressing driver gender, univariate analysis of independent variables revealed a higher Alcohol Positive Rate (APR) in men, particularly in drivers involved in crashes, with a noticeable decrease over time. Analyzing the gender of drivers involved in crashes, the meta-analysis showed that men had a significantly higher APR (30.7%; 95%CI 26.8-35.0) compared to women (13.2%; 95%CI 10.7-16.1). However, in drivers randomly tested, there was no significant difference in APR between genders (2.1% for men and 1.4% for women), while in volunteers, there was a statistically significant difference in APR with 3.4% (95%CI 1.5-7.6) for men and 1.1% (95%CI 0.5-2.7) for women. CONCLUSION Despite a progressive decrease in the epidemiological prevalence of alcohol-related DUI over time, this phenomenon remains at worryingly high levels among drivers involved in road traffic accidents in both genders, with a higher prevalence in men. It's important for policymakers, professionals, and scientists to consider gender when planning research, analysis, interventions, and policies related to psychoactive substances, such as alcohol or other licit drugs. Forensic sciences can play a vital role in this regard, enabling a thorough analysis of gender gaps in different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Pelletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Rafael Boscolo-Berto
- Institute of Human Anatomy, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, Padua, 35127, Italy
| | - Laura Anniballi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Arianna Giorgetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Filippo Pirani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Mara Cavallaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Luca Giorgini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Paolo Fais
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - Jennifer Paola Pascali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, Bologna, 40126, Italy
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Aslan R, Tongay N, Şenol E, Annette Akgür S. Ethyl alcohol levels in Turkish traffic accident cases. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2148578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rukiye Aslan
- Institute on Drug Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nihan Tongay
- Institute on Drug Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ender Şenol
- Forensic Medicine, Ege University Medical Faculty Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serap Annette Akgür
- Institute on Drug Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Zheng Q, Chan GCK, Wang Z, Connor JP, Ren Y, Thai PK. Assessing alcohol consumption in a Chinese urban population and a university town using high temporal resolution wastewater-based epidemiology. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 230:109178. [PMID: 34864567 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption is a leading preventable risk factor for morbidity and mortality in China. Understanding drinking patterns provides important data to inform public health policies in alcohol control, especially in specific groups like university students. This study aims to assess the alcohol consumption patterns and level of use in an urban population and a university town in a Chinese city using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). METHODS Daily wastewater sample was collected from an urban catchment (n = 270) and every Wednesday's sample from a university town of 10 university campus (n = 43) in 2017-2018. Concentration of alcohol consumption biomarker in wastewater, ethyl sulfate, was measured by direct injection LC-MS/MS analysis. Per capita daily alcohol consumption was then back calculated for assessment purposes. RESULTS Per capita daily alcohol consumption was 1.4 ± 0.6 mL/ person aged 15 + /day (EPD) (range: 0.2-4.9) in the urban catchment and 1.3 ± 0.6 EPD (range: 0.3-2.6) in the university town. Trends of alcohol consumption were stable in both catchments in 2017-2018. Alcohol consumption on weekends (1.5 EPD) and weekdays (1.4 EPD) were at a similar level. Additionally, no difference was observed between holidays (1.5 EPD) and non-holidays (1.4 EPD). CONCLUSION There is a stable weekly drinking level in the studied urban population, which is different compared to studies conducted in Western countries. Our study suggested a similar consumption level between the urban population and university students. Drinking during weekdays could negatively affect China's economic productivity and future public health policies could be adapted to reflect this pattern of drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuda Zheng
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Gary C K Chan
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zhe Wang
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason P Connor
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Yuan Ren
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 Brisbane, Australia
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Sarmiento JM, Gogineni A, Bernstein JN, Lee C, Lineen EB, Pust GD, Byers PM. Alcohol/Illicit Substance Use in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes. J Surg Res 2020; 256:243-250. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Lin Z, Wang H, Jones AW, Wang F, Zhang Y, Rao Y. Evaluation and review of ways to differentiate sources of ethanol in postmortem blood. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:2081-2093. [PMID: 32940841 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02415-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Accurate determination of a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is an important task in forensic toxicology laboratories because of the existence of statutory limits for driving a motor vehicle and workplace alcohol testing regulations. However, making a correct interpretation of the BAC determined in postmortem (PM) specimens is complicated, owing to the possibility that ethanol was produced in the body after death by the action of various micro-organisms (e.g., Candida species) and fermentation processes. This article reviews various ways to establish the source of ethanol in PM blood, including collection and analysis of alternative specimens (e.g., bile, vitreous humor (VH), and bladder urine), the identification of non-oxidative metabolites of ethanol, ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS), the urinary metabolites of serotonin (5-HTOL/5-HIAA), and identification of n-propanol and n-butanol in blood, which are known putrefaction products. Practical utility of the various biomarkers including specificity and stability is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijie Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Alan Wayne Jones
- Division of Drug Research, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Fanglin Wang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfeng Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulan Rao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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Wang H, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Li J, Lin Z, Huang Z, Chang J, Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhang C, Rao Y. An LC-MS/MS method for comparing the stability of ethanol's non-oxidative metabolites in dried blood spots during 90 days. Alcohol 2020; 83:29-35. [PMID: 31175945 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Problems of stability were found for biomarkers of alcohol consumption: ethyl glucuronide (EtG), ethyl sulfate (EtS), phosphatidylethanols (PEths), and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in whole blood. The purpose of this study was to establish a method for the determination of these four kinds of ethanol's non-oxidative metabolites in dried blood spots (DBS) by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and to evaluate their stability. In this method, 50 μL of human blood was spotted onto a filter paper for DBS analysis. Samples were extracted by methanol, reconstituted by 2-propanol, and injected into the LC-MS/MS system. Limits of detection were among 0.5-50 ng/mL, and deviations in accuracy and precision were all lower than 15% at three quality control levels. The stability of the four kinds of ethanol non-oxidative metabolites in DBS was investigated during a 90-day range under three temperatures, -20 °C, 4 °C, and 25 °C. EtG and EtS showed a high level of stability in DBS in the 90-day range, regardless of the temperature. FAEEs were unstable after three days. PEths showed stability within 15 days in postmortem DBS and 60 days in antemortem DBS, respectively, at all temperatures.
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Freeman J, Parkes A, Lewis N, Davey JD, Armstrong KA, Truelove V. Past behaviours and future intentions: An examination of perceptual deterrence and alcohol consumption upon a range of drink driving events. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2020; 137:105428. [PMID: 32004859 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2019.105428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The threat of application of legal sanctions remains the prominent approach to reduce the prevalence of drink driving in a vast array of motoring jurisdictions. However, ongoing questions remain regarding: (a) the extent that such mechanisms impact upon offending behaviours, (b) the deleterious effect alcohol consumption has on decisions to drink and drive and (c) how best to operationalise (and measure) the concept of drink driving to enhance the accurate measurement of the dependent variable. METHOD This paper reports on an examination of 773 Queensland motorists' (across nine local government areas) perceptions of both legal and non-legal drink driving sanctions (as well as alcohol consumption) in order to gauge the deterrent impact upon a range of measures of drink driving: the driver thinking they are over the limit, the driver knowing they are over the limit, attempts to evade random breath testing, and intentions to re-offend. The sample completed an online or paper version of the questionnaire. RESULTS The majority of participants reported "never" engaging in "possible" (74.5 %) or "acknowledged" (83.4 %) drink driving events, although a considerable proportion of the sample reported engaging in "possible" (25.5 %) or "acknowledged" (16.6 %) drink driving and attempting to evade RBT (18 %) events, as well as possible intentions to drink and drive in the future (22 %). Males were more likely to report such events. Perceptions of both legal sanctions (certainty, severity and swiftness) as well as non-legal sanctions (fear of social, internal or physical harm) were relatively high and consistent with previous research. Interestingly, non-legal sanctions were reported as stronger deterrents than legal sanctions. However, multivariate analysis revealed that legal deterrents had limited utility predicting offending behaviours, but rather, demographic characteristics (e.g., younger motorists, males) as well as risky drinking behaviour were better predictors. In regards to intentions to offend, a past conviction for drink driving was also a predictor of re-offending. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS These results highlight the ongoing challenges of addressing the problem of drink driving and that some motorists: (a) have entrenched behaviour and/or (b) make the decision to drink and drive before they are under the influence of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Freeman
- Road Safety Research Collaboration, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia.
| | - Alexander Parkes
- Road Safety Research Collaboration, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Naomi Lewis
- Road Safety Research Collaboration, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Jeremy D Davey
- Road Safety Research Collaboration, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Kerry A Armstrong
- Road Safety Research Collaboration, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Verity Truelove
- Road Safety Research Collaboration, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
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Davey JD, Armstrong KA, Freeman JE, Parkes A. Alcohol and illicit substances associated with fatal crashes in Queensland: An examination of the 2011 to 2015 Coroner's findings. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 312:110190. [PMID: 32413687 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM The problem of impaired driving is well documented in the literature but is heavily dependent upon self-report studies and/or databases that do not include in-depth information about the contributing origins of fatalities. AIM This study aimed to conduct an in-depth analysis of Coroner's findings for all fatally injured drivers in the state of Queensland in order to explore the prevalence of alcohol and different types of illicit substances (including drug combinations) in fatal crash reports. METHOD A total of 701 Coroner's reports related to drivers or controllers of vehicles involved in traffic related fatalities for the period of 2011-2015 were analysed, revealing 306 controllers (43.6%) were detected with either alcohol or illegal drugs (e.g., methylamphetamine, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cocaine or MDMA) RESULTS: Alcohol was the most commonly detected substance identified with 223 cases (72.9% of the drug and alcohol sample). Illicit drug detections totalled 147 cases (48% of the drug and alcohol sample) with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol the most commonly detected illicit substance (109 cases; 35.6% of the drug and alcohol sample) followed by methylamphetamine (total of 63 cases; 20.6% of the drug and alcohol sample). An important theme to emerge was the prevalence of polysubstance use among fatally injured drivers, not just for alcohol and one drug type, but also multiple drug combinations. Fatality trends revealed a decrease in both non-substance and alcohol-related fatalities across the study period. However, road fatalities where an illicit substance was detected increased by approximately 57%. Males were overrepresented as a proportion of total fatalities (82.4%) and there were no significant sex or age differences regarding illicit substance related deaths. Drivers of passenger vehicles were most commonly identified in the data (66.2%), but motorcycle operators were disproportionately represented (28.1% of the total controller sample compared to 4% of vehicle registrations in Queensland) CONCLUSION: This case study analysis of fatal crashes not only confirms the ongoing problem of alcohol and driving, but also illuminates the emerging (and escalating) issue of illicit substances detected in fatally injured drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Davey
- Road Safety Research Collaboration, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556 QLD, Australia.
| | - Kerry A Armstrong
- Road Safety Research Collaboration, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556 QLD, Australia
| | - James E Freeman
- Road Safety Research Collaboration, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556 QLD, Australia
| | - Alexander Parkes
- Road Safety Research Collaboration, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556 QLD, Australia
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A short survival time after last psychiatric hospitalization in drivers with psychotic disorder killed in fatal motor vehicle accidents. Schizophr Res 2020; 216:235-242. [PMID: 31813802 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research-based evidence on patients with psychotic disorders involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents (FMVA) remains limited. The current study analyzes the characteristics of FMVA drivers, who had been hospitalized due to psychotic disorders within a five-year-time-period prior to their death in traffic accidents. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data sources included three national registers: The Finnish Database of Road and Cross-Country Accidents, the Care Register for Health Care and the National Cause of Death Register. The register-linkage was made using personal identity codes, unique for each Finnish citizen. The initial study population consisted of 4930 drivers killed in FMVA in Finland between the years 1990-2011. A total of 94 (1.9%) Finnish drivers had a hospital-diagnosed psychotic disorder made during the five years preceding their FMVA. The psychotic disorders of the study subjects were categorized into: schizophrenia (n = 27, 28.7%), other specified psychoses (n = 39, 41.5%) and unspecified psychoses (n = 28, 29.8%). RESULTS About one half of the FMVA drivers with schizophrenia or unspecified psychoses and 41% of those with other specified psychoses had been discharged from psychiatric care within three months prior to their death in traffic accidents. CONCLUSIONS Based on our study findings and the lack of concise guidelines for assessing psychotic patients' fitness-to-drive, we recommend a minimum temporary driving restriction of three months for all patients after hospitalization for psychosis.
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Asgarian FS, Namdari M, Soori H. Worldwide prevalence of alcohol in fatally injured motorcyclists: A meta-analysis. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2019; 20:685-689. [PMID: 31389721 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2019.1637519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of alcohol in fatally injured motorcyclists and to determine the factors that are related to the prevalence worldwide. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar until 2018. Point prevalence with 95% confidence intervals was estimated. The variances of each study were calculated using by binomial distribution formula. Heterogeneity among the studies was tested using Cochran's Q test with a significance level less than .1. The index of changes attributed to heterogeneity (I2) was assessed. Regarding the heterogeneity of the studies, a random effects model was employed to combine the results of the studies. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA Ver. 11 using the meta-analysis commands. Results: Of 916 articles from 2011 to 2018, 12 studies were examined and analyzed based on inclusion criteria. The prevalence of alcohol in fatally injured motorcyclists was 0.30 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25-0.35). Subgroup analysis based on the type of country showed that the prevalence of alcohol in fatally injured motorcyclists in developing countries was 34% (95% CI, 0.18-0.49), which was higher than that in developed countries (29%; 95% CI, 0.24-0.33). In addition, the prevalence of alcohol among fatally injured motorcyclists aged 25-35 years was greater than that of other age groups (0.34; 95% CI, 0. 27-0.4). Conclusions: Motorcyclists dominated the picture of fatal crashes and deserve more attention by the public and government. With the proper planning and adoption of health policies, increasing prevalence and complications of the disease will be prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sadat Asgarian
- Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mahshid Namdari
- Community Oral Health Department, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Hamid Soori
- Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
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Pan M, Wang X, Zhao Y, Liu W, Xiang P. A retrospective analysis of data from forensic toxicology at the Academy of Forensic Science in 2017. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:39-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Pawłowski W, Lasota D, Goniewicz M, Rzońca P, Goniewicz K, Krajewski P. The Effect of Ethyl Alcohol upon Pedestrian Trauma Sustained in Traffic Crashes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16081471. [PMID: 31027255 PMCID: PMC6517985 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Every year more than 1.2 million people worldwide die due to trauma sustained in road crashes, with an additional number of people injured exceeding 50 million. To a large extent, this applies to so called "unprotected road users", including pedestrians. The risk involved in a traffic crash for pedestrians can result from many factors, one of which is participation in road traffic when under the influence of alcohol. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of alcohol use among pedestrians as unprotected road traffic participants, and the consequences of them being struck by motor vehicles. MATERIAL AND METHODS The source of data was the medical documentation of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw. The sample for this research consisted of 313 pedestrians who were victims of fatal road crashes resulting from a collision with a mechanical vehicle. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis using the STATISTICA version 12.5 program (StatSoft Polska, Cracow, Poland). RESULTS Male fatalities constituted the majority of the study sample. Nearly half of the fatal pedestrian victims were found to be under the influence of alcohol. The statistical analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between the gender and age of the victims, as well as between the place of the event, the place of death, the mechanism of the event, and the presence of alcohol in pedestrians. CONCLUSIONS Among pedestrians, victims of road crashes who were under the influence of alcohol were predominantly drunk young males. Victims under the influence of alcohol were more likely to become fatalities in crashes where the mechanism of the incident was being struck by a passenger car, and when the place of the incident was a rural area, in these cases the rates of death directly at the scene were much more frequent. The eradication of alcohol consumption by all road users should be the overriding objective of all measures aimed at reducing the number of road crashes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Witold Pawłowski
- Department of Disaster Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland.
| | - Dorota Lasota
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Goniewicz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Patryk Rzońca
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Goniewicz
- Department of Security Studies, Polish Air Force Academy, 08-521 Dęblin, Poland.
| | - Paweł Krajewski
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland.
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Liu Y, Zhang X, Li J, Huang Z, Lin Z, Wang J, Zhang C, Rao Y. Stability of Ethyl Glucuronide, Ethyl Sulfate, Phosphatidylethanols and Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters in Postmortem Human Blood. J Anal Toxicol 2018; 42:346-352. [PMID: 29425299 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bky010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of systematic studies on the stability of ethanol's non-oxidative metabolites in postmortem specimens restricts their use in forensic cases. This study aimed to compare the stability of ethyl glucuronide (EtG), ethyl sulfate (EtS), phosphatidylethanols (PEths) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in postmortem human blood. Three groups were established based on the level and source of ethanol: the blank group, the ethanol-spiked group and the ethanol-positive group. Each group contained six blood samples from different corpses. The samples in each group were placed at 37, 25, 4 and -20°C. Every 24 h for 7 days, 50 μL was collected from each sample. The levels of EtG, EtS, PEths and FAEEs were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and their stability was evaluated. EtG was not detected in the blank group, but it was found in samples in the ethanol-spiked group placed at 37°C, and it was degraded in the ethanol-positive group at 37 and 25°C. EtS showed no change in any of the groups. PEths were not detected in the blank group, but formation was found in the ethanol-spiked group at all temperatures. In the ethanol-positive group, PEth levels fluctuated at 37°C, decreased at 25°C and increased at -20°C. FAEEs were generated in the blank group and in the ethanol-spiked group at all temperatures. In the ethanol-positive group, FAEEs were degraded at 37 and 25°C but were generated at 4 and -20°C. EtS is a reliable biomarker of ethanol consumption, and EtG could be used as a biomarker at low temperatures (4 and -20°C), but PEths and FAEEs are not appropriate biomarkers of ethanol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Liu
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Jiaolun Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Zhibin Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Zebin Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Jingru Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, PR China
| | - Chengqiang Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, PR China
| | - Yulan Rao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
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Miller TR, Levy DT, Swedler DI. Lives saved by laws and regulations that resulted from the Bloomberg road safety program. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2018; 113:131-136. [PMID: 29407660 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate lives saved during 2008-2023 by traffic safety laws passed in six developing countries while participating in the Bloomberg Road Safety Program (BRSP). METHODS BRSP-funded local staff identified relevant laws and described enforcement to the study team. We analyzed road crash death estimates for 2004-2013 from the Global Burden of Disease and projected estimates absent intervention forward to 2023. We amalgamated developing country and US literature to estimate crash death reductions by country resulting from laws governing drink driving, motorcycle helmets, safety belt use, and traffic fines. RESULTS BRSP helped win approval of traffic safety laws in Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, Turkey, and Vietnam. In 2008-2013, those laws saved an estimated 19,000 lives. Many laws only took effect in 2014. The laws will save an estimated 90,000 lives in 2014-2023. Of the 109,000 lives saved, drink driving laws will account for 84%, increased motorcyclist protection for 13%, increased fines and penalty points for 2%, and safety belt usage mandates for 1%. Drink driving reductions in China will account for 56% of the savings and reduced drink driving and motorcycling deaths in Vietnam for 35%. The savings in China will result from a narrow intervention with just 4% estimated effectiveness against drink driving deaths. As a percentage of deaths anticipated without BRSP effort, the largest reductions will be 11% in Vietnam and 5% in Kenya. CONCLUSIONS Viewed as a public health measure, improving traffic safety provided large health gains in developing nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted R Miller
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, MD, USA; Curtin University School of Public Health, Perth, Australia.
| | | | - David I Swedler
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, MD, USA
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Efficient determination of six fatty acid ethyl ethers in human whole blood by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Alcohol 2017; 62:41-47. [PMID: 28755750 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2017.02.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) have been widely studied as specific markers of ethanol intake and mediators of ethanol-induced diseases. In the present study, a simple and rapid gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was established for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of six fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), including ethyl myristate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl stearate, ethyl oleate, ethyl linoleate, and ethyl arachidonate, in human whole blood. FAEEs were extracted from 200 μL of human whole blood by a modified liquid-liquid extraction, and the hexane layer was injected directly into GC-MS with ethyl heptadecanoate as the internal standard. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were in the range of 5-50 ng/mL and 15-200 ng/mL, respectively. Linearity ranged up to 10 μg/mL with r2 higher than 0.998. Accuracy was in the range of 90.3-109.7%, while intra-day and inter-day precision were 0.7-9.3% and 3.4-12.5%, respectively. This method was then applied to 38 real samples from forensic cases. Differences in the most common FAEEs between Chinese and Western subjects were discussed. The relationship of FAEE concentrations with age and gender was also investigated.
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Li Q, He H, Duan L, Wang Y, Bishai D, Hyder A. Prevalence of drink driving and speeding in China: a time series analysis from two cities. Public Health 2017; 144S:S15-S22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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17
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Zhang X, Zheng F, Lin Z, Johansen SS, Yu T, Liu Y, Huang Z, Li J, Yan J, Rao Y. Simultaneous determination of ethanol's four types of non-oxidative metabolites in human whole blood by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2017; 963:68-75. [PMID: 28335977 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2017.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The importance of ethanol non-oxidative metabolites as the specific biomarkers of alcohol consumption in clinical and forensic settings is increasingly acknowledged. Simultaneous determination of these metabolites can provide a wealth of information like drinking habit and history, but it was difficult to achieve because of their wide range of polarity. This work describes development and validation of a simple liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for 4 types of ethanol non-oxidative metabolites (ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate, fatty acid ethyl esters and phosphatidylethanols) in 50 μL of human whole blood. Pretreatment method, column and MS conditions were optimized. For the first time, the four types of ethanol non-oxidative metabolites with enormous discrepancies of property were simultaneously extracted and analyzed in one run within 40 min. The limits of detections (LODs) were among 0.1-10 ng/mL, and good linearity was obtained. Deviations in precision and accuracy were all lower than 15% at three QC levels. This method was then applied to two forensic samples, resulting in information on drinking habits and drinking time which were very useful for the interpretation of the blood alcohol results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Feng Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zebin Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Sys Stybe Johansen
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's Vej 11, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tianfang Yu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Yuming Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Zhibin Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Jiaolun Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yulan Rao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
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Sapkota D, Bista B, Adhikari SR. Economic Costs Associated with Motorbike Accidents in Kathmandu, Nepal. Front Public Health 2016; 4:273. [PMID: 28018898 PMCID: PMC5156657 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Road traffic accidents, considered as global tragedies, are in increasing trend; however, the safety situation is very severe in developing countries incurring substantial amount of human, economic, and social costs. Motorcycle crashes, the commonest form, occur mostly in economically active population. However, there is limited number of studies on economic burden of motorcycle crashes. This study aims to estimate the total cost and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost due to motorbike accidents among victims of Kathmandu Valley. Materials and methods Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients with a history of motorbike accidents within the past 3 to 12 months from the date of data collection. Interview was conducted using pro forma among 100 victims of accidents and their caregiver in case of death from November 15, 2014 to May 15, 2015. Cost estimation of motorbike accident was done based on human capital approach. Data collection tool was pretested, and collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Results Males (79%) belonging to the economically productive age group shared the highest proportion among total accidents victims. Most common reason for accidents was reported to be poor road condition (41%). Indirect cost was found to be significantly higher than direct costs, highlighting its negative impact on economy of family and nation due to productivity loss. Total DALYs lost per person was found to be 490 years, and national estimation showed large burden of motorbike accidents due to huge DALY loss. Conclusion For low-resource countries such as Nepal, high economic costs of motorbike accidents can pose additional burden to the fragile health system. These accidents can be prevented, and their consequences can be alleviated. There is an urgent need for reinforcement of appropriate interventions and legislation to decrease its magnitude and its associated grave economic consequences so as to nib this emerging epidemic in the bud.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Sapkota
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences , Dhulikhel , Nepal
| | - Bihungum Bista
- Nepal Health Research Council, Ministry of Health and Population , Kathmandu , Nepal
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du Plessis M, Hlaise KK, Blumenthal R. Ethanol-related death in Ga-Rankuwa road-users, South Africa: A five-year analysis. J Forensic Leg Med 2016; 44:5-9. [PMID: 27589378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ethanol and road traffic fatalities are a public health concern. The purpose of this study was to examine blood alcohol concentrations in different road-users in the jurisdiction of Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa according to epidemiological variables. A retrospective descriptive study involving 672 road-users over 5 years was done. Drivers presented the largest proportion of victims with positive blood alcohol concentrations, followed by pedestrians and motorcyclists with a great proportion of road-users showing levels above 0.05 g/100 ml. The majority of victims were adult males. Among the female victims, drivers and pedestrians had relatively high blood alcohol concentrations. The majority of fatalities occurred at night, during weekends, and in the spring with August being the month with the most fatalities. The most common injuries were external injuries and injury to the head and chest. Cause of death, irrespective of blood alcohol concentrations, was multiple injuries. The results showed that ethanol was associated with road traffic fatalities in Ga-Rankuwa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marna du Plessis
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Ga-Rankuwa Forensic Pathology Service, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, PO Box 127, Medunsa, 0208, South Africa.
| | - Keven Khazamula Hlaise
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Ga-Rankuwa Forensic Pathology Service, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, PO Box 127, Medunsa, 0208, South Africa.
| | - Ryan Blumenthal
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Pretoria Forensic Pathology Service, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa.
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20
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Deville M, Charlier C. Blood alcohol concentration in drivers of Liege area (Belgium): a 5-year analysis. Acta Clin Belg 2015; 70:315-20. [PMID: 25818993 DOI: 10.1179/2295333715y.0000000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to describe 'the results of the blood alcohol determinations made on drivers from the Liege area between 2007 and 2012. METHODS The results were interpreted according to the sex, to the age, to the circumstances and temporal variation of the test. Statistical analysis was performed using R® software. RESULTS 2725 determinations were done, mainly after crashes. The mean blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 1.69 g/L, and 2132 drivers were above the legal threshold. A majority of offenders were men, but the mean BAC did not differ significantly between men and women. A correlation between age and mean BAC can be observed on the positive cases. Lowest and highest mean BACs are observed during the daytime and during the night, respectively, but no significant difference can be observed between the week and the weekend. Finally, no significant difference in BAC was observed over years.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Deville
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, University of Liege (ULg), CHU (B35), 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - C Charlier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liege (Ulg), CHU (B35), 4000 Liege, Belgium
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Suo Q. Investigation on deterrence effect of legal punishment measures on driving after drinking in Chongqing, China. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2015; 16:540-544. [PMID: 25569129 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2014.1001979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Driving after drinking is one of the main causes associated with road accidents in China. China has been concerned about this serious problem and updated the regulations of road traffic safety law about driving after drinking 3 times in the last 10 years to deter this offense. The deterrence effect of the current punishment measures implemented since January 2013 was studied in this article. METHODS Data applied in the study were collected by questionnaire surveys carried out in Chongqing, a city in southwest China. A total of 329 drivers participated in 3 rounds of the survey and a 5-point scale rating was applied in the investigation. RESULTS There was a slight difference between drivers' familiarity of the law regarding driving after drinking in April 2013 and April 2014. The perceived certainty of being caught for driving after drinking was higher in April 2013 than in April 2014 and it had a time-dependent decreasing tendency. Our investigations also show that license suspension is the most practical and effective measure and penalty points system ranks second. A monetary fine appears to be inefficient to achieve the desired effects. CONCLUSIONS The fourth edition of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, which took effect in January 2013 coinciding with the application of random breath testing and intensification of enforcement activity, is effective in deterring driving after drinking according to our investigation. More measures should be implemented to change the decreasing tendency of perceived certainty of being caught for driving after drinking. An increase in the monetary fine is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Suo
- a School of Engineering and Technology , Southwest University , Chongqing , China
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22
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Sun Y, Huang Z, Zhao Z, Jiang Y, Ye Y, Yu T, Rao Y. Characteristics of 1226 alcohol-positive drivers involved in nonfatal traffic crashes in Shanghai, China. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2014; 15:532-536. [PMID: 24867564 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2013.850162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to better characterize and evaluate drunk driving for governmental reference in order to further reduce alcohol-impaired driving. METHOD This article reports the characteristics of 1226 alcohol-positive drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or over the legal limit of 0.20 mg/mL involved in nonfatal traffic accidents in Shanghai, China, from 2008 to 2011. The mean BAC, age, and gender of these drivers are discussed as well as the vehicle types and times of day when the crashes occurred. RESULTS The mean BAC was 1.41 mg/mL and the mean age was 38 years old, and the vast majority of drivers were male (96.9%). The mean BAC of male drivers (1.42 mg/mL) was higher than that of female drivers (1.20 mg/mL). The mean age of male drivers (38) was also higher than that of female drivers (33). Distributions of vehicle types involved were studied. Cars had the highest percentage of occurrences (56.4%), followed by motorcycles (32.8%), electric bicycles (6.8%), trucks (1.5%), and bicycles (0.8%). It was found that these alcohol-related traffic crashes most often occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 10:59 p.m., representing 48.1 percent (n = 590) of the 1226 cases. Single-vehicle crashes were overrepresented (70.3%) in all cases. The mean BAC in multivehicle crashes (1.69 mg/mL) was higher than that in single-vehicle crashes (1.30 mg/mL). CONCLUSIONS The results indicated a notable need for more governmental attention that would prevent accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Sun
- a Health Committee Office of Jilin Provincial Party Committee , Changchun , P.R. China
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Edirisinghe AS, Kitulwatte ID, Senarathne UD. A study into blood alcohol concentration in fatal accidents among vulnerable road users in a tertiary care hospital Sri Lanka. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2013; 22:158-64. [PMID: 24341667 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2013.857696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Reckless driving behaviour associated with alcohol has been well known. In Sri Lanka, research on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in road fatalities is scares. Thus, we studied the BAC in vulnerable road users (VRUs) encountered in medico-legal autopsies. A retrospective descriptive study based on case records of VRU fatalities from 2005 to 2012 referred for a tertiary care unit for post-mortem examination was conducted. A pro-forma was developed to extract data from the post-mortem blood alcohol reports. Data were analysed using percentages and p-values. There were 119 cases from the 328 autopsies to investigate blood alcohol tests. A total of 51% (n = 61) out of 119 had BAC above 80 mg/100 ml and mean level was 103 mg/100 ml. 2/3 of pedestrians had a BAC above 80 mg/100 ml with a mean level of 139 mg/dl. The highest mean blood alcohol (158 mg/dl) was reported from three-wheeler users. Majority of cases with more than 80 mg/100 ml BAC was reported in the age group of 40-60 years, while 40% of the elderly too had a BAC above 80 mg/100 ml. The comparison between pedestrians having above 80 mg/100 ml of BAC with that of other VRUs (active road users) showed a significant statistical difference (p = 0.017). The study results suggest that alcohol influence among pedestrians represent a significant risk factor for fatal road traffic accidents.
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Roiu I, Birngruber CG, Spencer VC, Wollersen H, Dettmeyer R, Verhoff MA. A comparison of breath- and blood-alcohol test results from real-life policing situations: a one-year study of data from the Central Hessian police district in Germany. Forensic Sci Int 2013; 232:125-30. [PMID: 24053873 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
So far, studies investigating the comparability of breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) have focused on the accuracy of BrAC testing instruments. The presented study, conducted with cases from the district of the Middle Hessian Police Headquarters, is to the best of our knowledge the first to compare both methods under real-life conditions in normal policing situations. For a 1-year period, alcohol-impaired drunk-driving suspects, who were by criminal procedure required to give a blood sample, were offered a voluntary, additional BrAC test with a "Dräger Alcotest 7110 Evidential". The BrAC test was to be administered as soon as possible after the suspect had been apprehended, without, however, delaying the collection of the blood sample. Ninety-two cases could be included in our study. In 30 cases, a blood sample was not taken; in 11 cases, a BrAC test could not be performed. In the remaining 51 cases, we found the following pairings of BrAC and BAC results: BrAC≥0.55 mg/l and BAC≥1.1‰ (n=39); 0.25 mg/l≤BrAC<0.55 mg/l and 0.5‰≤BAC<1.1‰ (n=5); BrAC≥0.55 mg/l and BAC<1.1‰ (n=4); BrAC<0.55 mg/l and BAC≥1.1‰ (n=3). The mean value for the conversion factor, Q, was 2.12‰l/mg. In accord with numerous other studies, our study results would suggest a value of 2.1‰ l/mg to German legislature as a new statutory value for Q. In borderline cases, of which there were already 7 in our study with 51 cases, suspects could benefit both from a BrAC test or a BAC test, with the benefit lastly depending more on early testing time than on the test method used. Our results support the call for the earliest possible measurement of alcohol concentration values after a drunk driving offense was committed. In some situations, this can probably only be accomplished with BrAC testing. A supplementary blood sample and BAC testing could compensate for the known weaknesses of BrAC testing. Thus, the complementary use of both methods might be a viable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Immanuel Roiu
- Department of Legal Medicine, University of Gießen, Frankfurter Straße 58, D-35392 Gießen, Germany
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