Sociodemographic, Alcohol Use, and Other Toxicological Characteristics of Motor Vehicle Suicides in 16 States: Results from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), 2005 to 2011

Abstract

Background Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a leading cause of death in the first half of life in the United States. The international literature suggests that motor vehicle suicides account for more than two percent of single car crashes. However, literature on motor vehicle suicides in the US remains sparse, even though MVCs and suicide are two of the leading causes of death nationwide. This study seeks to define population characteristics of motor vehicle suicide decedents using the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). Methods Data for 16 states from 2005 to 2011 were examined. Narratives were independently coded for means of death. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for sociodemographic and toxicological variables. Chi-square tests were performed to assess differences by sex. Results were compared with all suicides from the NVDRS from 2005 to 2010. Results Of the 68,340 suicides in the NVDRS from 2005 to 2011, 818 (1%) were identified as motor vehicle suicides. Most decedents were train-related fatalities (59%), white (75%), male (77%), single (50%), and younger than 55 years old (87%). Eighty-seven percent were tested for alcohol, 34% of whom tested positive. Two-thirds (68%) of decedents tested were not positive for any drugs, and 13% tested were positive for both alcohol and at least one drug. More than one-third (38%) of decedents had a current mental health problem at time of death, but only one-quarter (25%) were currently receiving mental health treatment. Women were significantly more likely to test positive for antidepressants, have a current mental health condition, and be undergoing mental health treatment. Motor vehicle suicide decedents tended to be younger than all suicide decedents in the NVDRS, and a higher proportion was single (50% versus 30%, respectively). Conclusions Sociodemographic characteristics of motor vehicle suicide decedents in the United States are similar to those in the international literature. A substantial portion has acute alcohol and/or drug use, and there is a disparity in receiving appropriate mental health care. Broader implementation of proven, effective strategies to prevent suicide by any means might help reduce motor vehicle suicides.