1
|
Law PCF, Too LS, Spittal MJ, Pirkis J, Clapperton AJ. Road vehicle collision suicide in Australia: Trends, collision types, and individual characteristics. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299590. [PMID: 38687768 PMCID: PMC11060530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide by road vehicle collision in Australia is under-explored with mixed findings. We aimed to address this research gap by examining time trends, different types of vehicle collision, and individual characteristics related to vehicle-collision suicide. METHOD We retrospectively analyzed deaths by suicide between 1st January 2001 and 31st December 2017 in Australia, using coronial records from the National Coronial Information System. The travel mode used and collision counterpart were retrieved from records of death by vehicle-collision suicide using all available information. We conducted negative binomial regression analysis to examine annual changes in suicide rate by vehicle collision on a public road (N = 640) and other methods of suicide (N = 41,890), and logistic regression analysis to examine individual characteristics associated with the likelihood of dying by suicide via road vehicle collision. RESULTS Overall, the national suicide rate involving road vehicle collision significantly increased, while the rate by other methods significantly decreased. Drivers accounted for 61% of suicide events by vehicle collision, of which 72% were single-vehicle collisions (commonly involving a tree). For multiple-vehicle collision suicide events, 82% involved collision with a truck. Pedestrians accounted for more than one-third of suicide events, of which 58% involved collision with a truck and 23% involved collision with a car/van. Individuals who were male (odds ratio 1.15; 95% CI 0.88-1.50), aged <25 years old (odds ratio 5.27; 95% CI 3.05-9.10), non-Indigenous (odds ratio 3.36; 95% CI 1.71-6.62), and born overseas (odds ratio 1.40; 95% CI 1.10-1.79) were more likely to die by vehicle-collision suicide than by other methods of suicide. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a better understanding of road vehicle collision suicide in Australia and informs future research directions on topic. Our findings can be used to inform suicide prevention initiatives to reduce vehicle-collision suicide deaths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip C. F. Law
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lay San Too
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew J. Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angela J. Clapperton
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cullen P, Mőller H, Baffsky R, Martiniuk A, Senserrick T, Rogers K, Woodward M, Stevenson MR, McLean R, Sawyer S, Patton G, Ivers RQ. Self-harm in adolescence and risk of crash: a 13-year cohort study of novice drivers in New South Wales, Australia. Inj Prev 2023; 29:302-308. [PMID: 36813554 PMCID: PMC10423516 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2022-044807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-harm and suicide are leading causes of morbidity and death for young people, worldwide. Previous research has identified self-harm is a risk factor for vehicle crashes, however, there is a lack of long-term crash data post licensing that investigates this relationship. We aimed to determine whether adolescent self-harm persists as crash risk factor in adulthood. METHODS We followed 20 806 newly licensed adolescent and young adult drivers in the DRIVE prospective cohort for 13 years to examine whether self-harm was a risk factor for vehicle crashes. The association between self-harm and crash was analysed using cumulative incidence curves investigating time to first crash and quantified using negative binominal regression models adjusted for driver demographics and conventional crash risk factors. RESULTS Adolescents who reported self-harm at baseline were at increased risk of crashes 13 years later than those reporting no self-harm (relative risk (RR) 1.29: 95% CI 1.14 to 1.47). This risk remained after controlling for driver experience, demographic characteristics and known risk factors for crashes, including alcohol use and risk taking behaviour (RR 1.23: 95% CI 1.08 to 1.39). Sensation seeking had an additive effect on the association between self-harm and single-vehicle crashes (relative excess risk due to interaction 0.87: 95% CI 0.07 to 1.67), but not for other types of crashes. DISCUSSION Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that self-harm during adolescence predicts a range of poorer health outcomes, including motor vehicle crash risks that warrant further investigation and consideration in road safety interventions. Complex interventions addressing self-harm in adolescence, as well as road safety and substance use, are critical for preventing health harming behaviours across the life course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cullen
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ngarruwan Ngadju: First Peoples Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Holger Mőller
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachel Baffsky
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Martiniuk
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teresa Senserrick
- Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kris Rogers
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Woodward
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark R Stevenson
- Transport Health and Urban Design Research Hub, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca McLean
- Department of Population Health, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Susan Sawyer
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - George Patton
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca Q Ivers
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
O'Donovan S, van den Heuvel C, Baldock M, Byard RW. An overview of suicides related to motor vehicles. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2023; 63:151-158. [PMID: 36000305 DOI: 10.1177/00258024221122187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although vehicles may be used in a wide variety of suicides, this has not been a focus in the forensic literature. Thus, an analysis of coronial autopsy reports at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia over a 16-year period from January 2005 to December 2020 was undertaken to provide an overview of cases in which it was considered that a vehicle had been integral to the successful completion of a suicide. De-identified details were collected from all cases in which a vehicle had facilitated or been used as a method of suicide. A number of different types of vehicle-related suicide methods were identified, including cases where vehicles had been used as secure places for suicide or where the vehicle had been used to cause significant blunt force trauma or to enter a lethal environment such as water. Specific examples were taken from the following categories: (1) inhalation of gas, (2) drug toxicity, (3) hanging or ligature strangulation, (4) self-immolation, (5) drowning, (6) vehicle collision, (7) driving off a cliff, (8) jumping or lying in front of a vehicle and (9) the use of more than one method (i.e. complex). This report is not intended to provide an epidemiological analysis of car-related suicides. Instead, the details of selected cases have been used to illustrate the spectrum of methods that may be used in vehicle-assisted suicides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan O'Donovan
- The School of Biomedicine, 1066The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Matthew Baldock
- Centre for Automotive Safety Research, 1066The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Roger W Byard
- The School of Biomedicine, 1066The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Imants P, Goodsell RS, Chevalier A. Characteristics of suicide-related crashes and their potential interventions: A literature review. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2022; 23:232-237. [PMID: 35442128 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2022.2057966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop countermeasures to decrease road trauma, it is essential to increase our understanding of fatal and injury crashes with suicidal intent. As suicide-related crashes can be difficult to identify it seems likely suicide-related road fatalities and injuries are under-reported. Under-reported crashes may lead to two policy issues: these types of casualty crashes may not receive adequate funding for countermeasure development and implementation due to not having a sufficient evidence-basis to justify allocation of resources, and may be miscategorized as having other factors contributing to the crashes, thus resources may be incorrectly allocated to countermeasures to address these other factors. This paper seeks to develop and document characteristics and potential countermeasures to identify and prevent such crashes. METHODS Two literature reviews of peer-reviewed journal manuscripts were performed to identify suicide-crash characteristics and potential countermeasures and strategies. Of 61 peer-reviewed journal manuscripts identified from the literature searches, 17 manuscripts fit the criteria and were reviewed. Information regarding the characteristics of suicide-related crashes, as well as potential strategies and countermeasures were gleaned from these manuscripts. RESULTS A list of characteristics was developed, underpinning development of a methodology to identify these types of crashes. Strategies and countermeasures recommended by international (road-) agencies to identify and prevent suicide-related crashes were documented and discussed. CONCLUSION As suicide-related crashes almost always take place in public space, the grief and pain resulting from such crashes not only relates to the victim, the people who knew the victim, but in many cases also involve the general public. It is therefore paramount to start the discussion about suicide-related crashes to increase awareness, increase willingness to establish a reliable data and knowledge base, and encourage help seeking in individuals at increased risk of attempting suicide using this method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Imants
- Australian Road Research Board (ARRB), Chippendale, NSW, Australia
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R S Goodsell
- Australian Road Research Board (ARRB), Subiaco, WA, Australia
- The Western Australia Centre for Road Safety Research, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - A Chevalier
- Australian Road Research Board (ARRB), Chippendale, NSW, Australia
- Safer Roads Consulting (SRC), Thirroul, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dun C, Swan J, Hitch D, Vlachou V. Occupational therapy driver assessments with mental health consumers: A mixed‐methods study. Aust Occup Ther J 2020; 67:330-340. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Dun
- Northern Area Mental Health Service NorthWestern Mental Health Preston Vic. Australia
| | - Jodie Swan
- North West Area Mental Health Service NorthWestern Mental Health Coburg Vic. Australia
| | - Danielle Hitch
- North West Area Mental Health Service NorthWestern Mental Health Coburg Vic. Australia
- Deakin University Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Voula Vlachou
- Northern Area Mental Health Service NorthWestern Mental Health Preston Vic. Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Høye A. Speeding and impaired driving in fatal crashes-Results from in-depth investigations. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2020; 21:425-430. [PMID: 32551897 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2020.1775822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to identify typical patterns of risk factors among speeding and impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes and to suggest countermeasures. METHOD Results from in-depth investigations of 1,501 fatal passenger car crashes that occurred in Norway from 2005 to 2015 and involved 1,949 passenger cars are summarized. Relationships between speeding (excessive speed, EXC, or inappropriate speed, INAP); driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol (ALC), drugs (DRUG), or both (MIX); and other driver-, crash-, vehicle-, and road-related variables were investigated. RESULTS Speeding and DUI drivers have in common that they are more often male, unbelted, unlicensed, driving old cars, and involved in single-vehicle crashes under low-volume conditions (nighttime, weekend, low-volume roads). They are also less often fatigued, ill, or suicidal. EXC and ALC drivers are on average younger and they generally show more high-risk behavior than INAP, DRUG, and MIX drivers. In crashes with pedestrians/cyclists and crashes on slippery roads or in winter, INAP drivers are overrepresented and EXC and DUI drivers are underrepresented. Among DRUG and MIX drivers there may be differences according to the type of substance. CONCLUSIONS Those drivers who show most types of high-risk behaviors, especially EXC and ALC drivers, are less likely to respond to measures relying on voluntary behavior changes, such as recommended speed, speed warnings, or classical enforcement, although such measures may be effective for INAP and some DRUG drivers. To change the behavior of EXC and ALC drivers, more restrictive measures are called for, such as non-overridable intelligent speed adaptation, vehicle impoundment, or Alcolock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alena Høye
- Department of Safety, Security, and Behavior, Institute of Transport Economics, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Felthous AR, Samantarai S, Mukhtar A. Gender differences in combined homicide-suicide with consideration of female terrorist bombers. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2019; 37:614-631. [PMID: 31769068 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Combined homicide-suicide (H-S) is a phenomenon described as an offender committing a homicidal act followed by their suicide. Current literature on H-S is dominated by a focus on men and their particular set of motivations and actions, primarily because females constitute only a small fraction of the cases of completed H-S. This review begins by analyzing this data and integrating females within two subclassifications of H-S: the psychopathology of the actor (or perpetrator), and the actor's relationship to her homicide victims. Within the relational subcategory of H-S, females are: (1) underrepresented when victims are their spouses or intimate partners (consortial H-S); (2) more prevalent when victims are their own children (filial H-S); and (3) with rare exceptions, not represented in extrafamilial, adversarial and pseudo-commando H-S perpetrators. This review includes female bombers in this gender comparison.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Felthous
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Assad Mukhtar
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Radun I, Parkkari I, Radun J, Kaistinen J, Kecklund G, Olivier J, Tervo T, Theorell T. Suicide by crashing into a heavy vehicle: Focus on professional drivers using in-depth crash data. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2019; 20:575-580. [PMID: 31329464 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2019.1633466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Road traffic suicides typically involve a passenger car driver crashing his or her vehicle into a heavy vehicle, because death is almost certain due to the large mass difference between these vehicles. For the same reason, heavy-vehicle drivers typically suffer minor injuries, if any, and have thus received little attention in the research literature. In this study, we focused on heavy-vehicle drivers who were involved as the second party in road suicides in Finland. Methods: We analyzed 138 road suicides (2011-2016) involving a passenger car crashing into a heavy vehicle. We used in-depth road crash investigation data from the Finnish Crash Data Institute. Results: The results showed that all but 2 crashes were head-on collisions. Almost 30% of truck drivers were injured, but only a few suffered serious injuries. More than a quarter reported sick leave following their crash. Injury insurance compensation to heavy-vehicle drivers was just above €9,000 on average. Material damage to heavy vehicles was significant, with average insurance compensation paid being €70,500. Three out of 4 truck drivers reported that drivers committing suicide acted abruptly and left them little opportunity for preventive action. Conclusions: Suicides by crashing into heavy vehicles can have an impact on drivers' well-being; however, it is difficult to see how heavy-vehicle drivers could avoid a suicide attempt involving their vehicle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Radun
- a Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland
- b Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Inkeri Parkkari
- c The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Jenni Radun
- d Turku University of Applied Sciences , Turku , Finland
| | - Jyrki Kaistinen
- e Liikenneturva-Finnish Road Safety Council , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Göran Kecklund
- b Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Jake Olivier
- f School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New South Wales, Sydney , Australia
- g Transport and Road Safety Research Centre, UNSW Sydney , Australia
| | - Timo Tervo
- h Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, Institute of Clinical Medicine , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Töres Theorell
- b Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Breen JM, Naess PA, Gjerde H, Gaarder C, Stray-Pedersen A. The significance of preexisting medical conditions, alcohol/drug use and suicidal behavior for drivers in fatal motor vehicle crashes: a retrospective autopsy study. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2017; 14:4-17. [PMID: 29185214 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-017-9934-x] [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] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Driver fatalities in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) encompass accidents, suicides, and natural deaths when driving. The objective of this study was to determine the significance of pathology and other autopsy findings for drivers in fatal MVCs. Forensic autopsy records of driver fatalities in southeast Norway between 2000 and 2014 were studied retrospectively. Data from individual police and collision investigation reports were also collected and analyzed. In 406 driver fatalities, the male/female ratio was 340/66; 9% died from natural causes, 9% were suicides, 65% were culpable accidental deaths, 14% were nonculpable deaths, and 3% were undetermined deaths. Head injuries and thoracic injuries were the most common causes of death. A seatbelt had been worn in 50% of the fatalities, and its prevalence did not differ between accidental deaths and suicides. Blood levels of alcohol and/or drugs that indicated impairment at the time of the collision were found in 40% (105/262) of all culpable accidental deaths but in 50% (64/127) of drivers aged up to 35 years. Pathology (most often cardiovascular disease) suggestive of sudden incapacitation before the collision was present in 24% (62/264) of drivers who were culpable in the accident and in 70% (46/66) of culpable drivers older than 55 years. A substantial proportion of drivers are killed in accidental collisions that may have occurred as a result of either alcohol/drug impairment or preexisting disease. Suicides and natural deaths both constitute significant proportions of MVC fatalities and may be misclassified unless a full inquest including an autopsy is performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mario Breen
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Section of Pediatric Forensic Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Paal Aksel Naess
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Traumatology, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. 4956 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hallvard Gjerde
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Section of Drug Abuse Research, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christine Gaarder
- Department of Traumatology, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. 4956 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arne Stray-Pedersen
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Section of Pediatric Forensic Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to explore the phenomenon of suicide by driving one vehicle into another, and draw attention to the cost to occupants of targeted vehicles. METHOD We examined academic literature, court and newspaper reports, and online sources. RESULTS Driver suicide may be achieved by colliding with a fixed object or another vehicle. When a second vehicle is targeted, the occupants of that vehicle experience property loss, and potentially physical and psychiatric injury, or death. Driver suicides are associated with death of another person, in 11.3% of cases. Some suicidal individuals are able to act with great consideration for the consequences of their actions. CONCLUSION Every effort must be made to help suicidal people with mental disorders or other predicaments. There is a need for public discussion of suicide by targeting an oncoming vehicle. It is less likely that suicide drivers who target other vehicles are unable to choose and more likely they have not considered the consequences of their actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saxby Pridmore
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Svetlin Varbanov
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Ian Sale
- Forensic Psychiatrist, Private Practice, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gauthier S, Reisch T, Ajdacic-Gross V, Bartsch C. Road Traffic Suicide in Switzerland. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2015; 16:768-772. [PMID: 25793638 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2015.1021419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine details of road traffic suicides in Switzerland between 2000 and 2010 and to look at our results in relation to studies from other countries. METHODS Retrospective data analysis of road traffic suicides extracted from the database of all suicides investigated by Swiss institutes of forensic medicine between 2000 and 2010 using a standardized assessment sheet. RESULTS Out of 4,885 suicides in Switzerland, we identified 76 cases (1.56%) of road traffic suicide. Twenty-three cases had to be excluded because, although the forensic medical experts suspected suicide, they could not establish it for sure. That left 53 cases (1.02% of all suicides), mostly unmarried men, who were on average 9 years younger than the study population as a whole. Most collided with other vehicles, mainly other cars, and usually on main highways or country roads. In most cases, the cause of death was multiple injuries. Other persons were killed 4 times more often than with other suicide methods. Toxicology screening was performed significantly more frequently than with other methods but more often proved negative. Acute psychiatric problems were commonly assumed to be the underlying reasons. Suicide notes were left by only 20%, a lower proportion than in the study population as a whole. CONCLUSIONS Road traffic suicides account for approximately 1% of all suicide methods used in Switzerland, although unclassifiable cases indicate that the rate might be higher. Every road traffic crash should therefore be routinely investigated by an interdisciplinary team and suicide should be considered as the possible cause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Gauthier
- a Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Thomas Reisch
- b Hospital for Psychiatry , Münsingen , Switzerland
- c University Hospital of Psychiatry Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | | | - Christine Bartsch
- a Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ceballos-Espinoza F. Aplicación forense de la autopsia psicológica en muertes de alta complejidad. ANUARIO DE PSICOLOGÍA JURÍDICA 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apj.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
|
13
|
de la Grandmaison GL, Watier L, Cavard S, Charlier P. Are suicide rates higher in the cancer population? An investigation using forensic autopsy data. Med Hypotheses 2014; 82:16-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|