Alcohol y accidentes de tráfico: ¿Prevenir qué?

Abstract

Objectivetraffic accidents accountfor one the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Driving under the effects of alcohol is one of the principal causes oftraffic accidentality. This article aims to analyze the relationship between alcohol and traffic accidentality, and what can an should be done to avoidalcohol related traffic accidentality. Material and methodsthe effects of alcohol ondriving capacity, relationship between alcohol and traffic accidents, normative features, magnitude ofalcohol related traffic accidents as well as intervention strategies to reduce traffic accidentality related with alcohol are analyzed. Resultsamong the interventions aimed at reducing alcohol related traffic accidentality, administrative measures, educational and public information interventions, legal measures, establishmentand improvement of alternative public transportation systems, establishment of passive devises in thevehicle (interlock), the reductionof the availabilityof alcohol in areas close to communications routes,as well as detection, rehabilitation and reinsertionof the driver who reoffends in driving under the effects of alcohol must be mentioned. Conclusionsmost traffic accidents can be avoided (prevented). The interventions necessary to obtain a reduction in traffic accidentality related with alcohol consumption are known, although it is necessary to establish them in a coordinated way and from an interdisciplinary perspective.