Involvement In Road Traffic Crashes Research Articles

Exploring the association between the Arabic version of the Traffic Locus of Control, driving behavior, and road traffic crashes: A multidimensional approach.

The Traffic Locus of Control scale (T-LOC) serves as a measure of drivers' personality attributes, providing insights into their perceptions of potential causes of road traffic crashes (RTCs). This study meticulously evaluated the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of T-LOC (T-LOC-A) among Lebanese drivers. Additionally, the study aimed to explore associations between the T-LOC scale and various driving variables, including driver behavior, accident involvement, and traffic offenses. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Lebanese drivers using a face-to-face approach. The validation of the Arabic version of T-LOC (T-LOC-A) occurred through a two-stage process: translating and culturally adapting T-LOC in the first stage, and testing its psychometric properties in the second stage. Data were collected using a comprehensive self-reported questionnaire in Arabic, covering demographic and travel-related variables, risk involvement, and measures such as the Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) and T-LOC. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to scrutinize the factorial structure of T-LOC. Pearson correlation and chi-square tests were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Two logistic regression analyses were executed to probe associations between T-LOC and involvement in road traffic crashes (RTCs) and T-LOC subscales with the occurrence of traffic offenses. The study included 568 drivers, predominantly male (69%) and aged between 30 and 49 years (42.1%). The findings revealed that T-LOC-A exhibited robust psychometric properties, with excellent reliabilities (α = 0.85) and adherence to the original four-factor structure, encompassing self (α = 0.88), other drivers (α = 0.91), vehicle/environment (α = 0.86), and fate (α = 0.66). The multidimensional structure was statistically supported by favorable fit indices. Gender differences revealed men attributing responsibility to other drivers, while women leaned towards fate and luck beliefs. Regarding driver behavior, the "other drivers" and self-dimensions of T-LOC-A correlated positively with aggressive violations. The fate dimension showed positive associations with aggressive violations and lapses. The "other drivers" subscale correlated positively with errors, and the vehicle/environment subscale with lapses. External T-LOC factors were positively associated with accident involvement, while the "LOC self" factor emerged as a protective element. In terms of traffic offenses, "LOC fate" displayed a positive association, while the "LOC self" factor showed a protective effect. In conclusion, the Arabic T-LOC is a reliable and valuable instrument, suggesting potential improvements in driving safety by addressing drivers' locus of control perceptions.

Crash-involved THC-positive drivers in Norway have a high frequency of polysubstance use

BackgroundTetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most frequently detected drug in blood samples from apprehended drug driving suspects in Norway. This investigation aimed to study the extent of polysubstance use among apprehended crash-involved drivers with THC concentrations above the legal limit and explore the importance of THC in polysubstance cases. MethodsWe selected all drug driving cases where blood samples had been submitted for forensic toxicology testing after involvement in road traffic crashes during 2013–2020, except drivers who were fatally injured. ResultsTwenty percent (n = 2133) of the 10,520 apprehended crash-involved drivers had concentrations of THC in their blood above the legal limit of 1.3 ng/mL, and 84 % of those also had concentrations of alcohol or other drugs above the legal limits; 61 % for sedatives, 38 % for stimulants, 33 % for alcohol, and 10 % for opioids. The most frequent substance combination was cannabis together with sedatives and stimulants (22.9 %; n = 488). Polysubstance use was least common among drivers under 24 years. The proportion of drivers with THC > 5 ng/mL was highest if the blood sample was collected within 90 min after the crash, and when only THC was detected. There was a statistically significant inverse association between THC > 5 ng/mL and concentrations of alcohol or amphetamines at the highest sanction level. ConclusionsMost apprehended crash-involved THC-positive drivers also tested positive for other psychoactive substances. Drivers with high blood THC concentrations had less often high concentrations of other substances; cannabis might then have been a more important contributor to impairment.

Self-reported involvement in road traffic crashes in Kenya: A cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample.

BackgroundRoad traffic crashes (RTCs) are a global public health burden whose resulting morbidity and mortality disproportionately impact low‐ and middle‐income countries with stressed health systems. There is a paucity of published studies that evaluate the sociodemographic distribution of RTCs using nationally representative samples from the African region.AimTo examine population‐wide associations between sociodemographic factors and involvement in RTCs in Kenya.MethodsData were obtained from the 2014 Kenyan Demographic Health Survey, representing all 47 counties in Kenya, from May to October of 2014. We estimated the prevalence of RTCs and utilized logistic regression for bivariate and multivariable analyses to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with RTCs. Study variables included age, place of residence, household wealth index, educational attainment, and history of alcohol consumption. We computed odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsA higher prevalence was reported among men (8.76%) versus women (3.22%). The risk factors among men included being 20−34 years of age, living in a rural area (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09, 1.74), drinking alcohol (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11, 1.59), and having not higher than a primary (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.19, 3.03) or secondary (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.04, 2.71) education. The strongest risk factors for women included the being aged 45−49 (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.44, 3.67) and 20−24 years (OR 1.81, 95% 1.17, 2.79) as well as being in the fourth wealth quintile (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.15, 2.91).ConclusionMen and the most economically productive age groups were more likely to report being involved in RTCs. Strategies to reduce the occurrences of RTCs should prioritize the most vulnerable sociodemographic groups.

Fear and avoidance of driving among drivers involved in a road traffic crash. The role of traumatic fear and driving cognitions

Fear and avoidance of driving are possible consequences of involvement in road traffic crashes (RTCs). Few studies have assessed the factors associated with fear and avoidance of driving after an RTC. The aim of this present study is to investigate the relations among trauma appraisals of fear, negative driving cognitions, fear and avoidance of driving in a sample of people who experienced vehicle crashes. Further, the mediating role of negative driving cognitions in the relation between trauma appraisals, fear of driving and avoidance of driving was assessed. The sample was comprised of 116 drivers who had been involved in an RTC in the past two years. Negative driving cognitions positively predicted fear of driving and avoidance of driving. Moreover, negative driving cognitions mediated the relation among trauma appraisals of fear with fear of driving and avoidance of driving. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.

Examining Injury Severity of Pedestrians in Vehicle-Pedestrian Crashes at Mid-Blocks Using Path Analysis.

Walking is a sustainable mode of transport which has well established health and environmental benefits. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of pedestrians lose their lives each year over the world due to involvement in road traffic crashes, and mid-blocks witness a significant portion of pedestrian fatalities. This study examined the direct and indirect effects of various contributing factors on the pedestrian injury severity in vehicle–pedestrian crashes at mid-blocks. Data of vehicle–pedestrian crashes during 2002–2009 were extracted from the NASS-GES, with pre-crash behaviors and injury severity included. The SEM path analysis method was applied to uncover the inter-relationships between the pedestrian injury severity and various explanatory variables. Both the direct and indirect effects of these explanatory variables on the pedestrian injury severity were calculated based on the marginal effects in the multinomial and ordered logit models. The results indicate some variables including number of road lanes and the age of pedestrian have indirect impacts on the injury severity through influencing the pre-crash behaviors. Although most indirect effects are relatively small compared with the direct effects, the results in this study still provide some valuable information to improve the overall understanding of pedestrian injury severity at mid-blocks.

Trends in the use of psychoactive substances by truck drivers in São Paulo State, Brazil: A time-series cross sectional roadside survey (2009–2016)

Objective: Truck drivers represent a group that is susceptible to the use of stimulant substances to reduce the symptoms of fatigue, which may be caused by a stressful and exhausting work environment. The use of psychoactive substances may increase the risk for involvement in road traffic crashes. Previous studies have demonstrated that amphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis are the 3 main drugs used by Brazilian truck drivers. We studied the prevalence of amphetamine, benzoylecgonine (indicating use of cocaine), and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH; indicating use of cannabis) in urine samples from truck drivers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, using the same methodology during 8 years (2009–2016).Methods: Samples were collected during a health program supported by the Federal Highway Police. Toxicological analyses were performed using immunoassays and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.Results: The total prevalence of illicit drugs was 7.8%. Benzoylecgonine was the most prevalent substance (3.6%), followed by amphetamine (3.4%) and THC-COOH (1.6%). We found the highest drug prevalence in 2010 (11.3%) and the lowest in 2011 (6.1%). We could detect a slight change in the pattern of stimulant use: until 2010, amphetamine was the most prevalent substance; however, in 2011 benzoylecgonine became the most frequently detected substance. This lasted until 2015, probably due to changes in Brazilian legislation regarding appetite suppressants; the most common one is metabolized to amphetamine.Conclusion: These data show that the use of psychoactive substances by truck drivers in Brazil did not decrease during the study period. This reinforces the need for further preventive measures to reduce drug use among drivers, which could lead to a decrease in traffic crashes in Brazil.

Association between speeding and use of alcohol and medicinal and illegal drugs and involvement in road traffic crashes among motor vehicle drivers

Objective: The objective of this study was to study the association between self-reported road traffic crashes (RTCs) and recent use of alcohol and medicinal and illicit drug use and self-reported speeding in the previous 2 years.Methods: During the period from April 2016 to April 2017, drivers of cars, vans, motorcycles, and mopeds were stopped in a Norwegian roadside survey performed in collaboration with the police. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The drivers were asked to deliver an oral fluid sample (mixed saliva), which was analyzed for alcohol and 39 illicit and medicinal drugs and metabolites. In addition, data on age, sex, and self-reported speeding tickets and RTCs during the previous 2 years were collected.Results: A total of 5,031 participants were included in the study, and 4.9% tested positive for the use of one or more illicit or medicinal drugs or alcohol. We found a significant, positive association between the use of cannabis and RTC involvement (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–3.57; P = 0.035) and also between previous speeding tickets and RTC involvement (OR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.08–1.80; P = 0.012). In addition, older age groups were found to have a significant, negative association with RTC involvement, with ORs equal to or less than 0.49, when using the age group 16–24 as reference.Conclusion: Speeding, as an indicator of risk behavior, and the use of cannabis were associated with previous RTC involvement, whereas increasing age was significantly associated with lower risk. This is consistent with previous studies on RTCs.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND DRIVING BEHAVIOR AMONG PROFESSIONAL MINIBUS DRIVERS AT ZAGAZIG CITY, SHARQIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT.

Introduction: According to The Egyptian Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), 72% of road traffic accidents occur due to aberrant driving behavior. Substance abuse particularly cannabis is commonly used among Egyptian commercial drivers and seriously affects safe driving. Aim of work: To assess the magnitude of substance abuse among a sample of professional minibus drivers, Zagazig city, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt, to investigate their driving behavior and to determine the predicting factors for the risky driving behavior as a major cause of road accidents. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Al Ahrar main public station, Zagazig city, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt on a sample of 130 commercial drivers. A structured questionnaire was introduced to all participants and included data on socio occupational status and the driving behavior questionnaire (DBQ) which is composed of 26 items. Substance abuse was screened through rapid assessment urine test. Results: Among the participants, 57.7% tested positive for substance abuse and the most common abused substance was cannabis which represented 80% of the positive participants. The DBQ scores were higher among substance abused drivers with statistical significant difference particularly in most of violations and error items. The predictors for aberrant driving behavior were low income, excessive speeding, previous involvement in road traffic crash and substance abuse. Conclusion: Illicit drugs are commonly used by Egyptian professional drivers and seriously affect safe driving. Regular traffic police campaigns for screening of substance abuse among commercial drivers and applying of road safety awareness program can lower the prevalence and burden of road traffic accidents in Egypt.

2386 - The Influence of Sleep Quality, Safety Culture and Cabin Ergonomics on Work-Related Stress and Burnout of Bus Drivers in Lahore

Health and working environment of a professional bus driver is comprised in low income countries such as Pakistan which leads to work-related stress and burnout along with excessive involvement in Road Traffic Crashes. Urban bus drivers in Lahore, the second most populated city of Pakistan, are continuously struggling to safely meet travel needs of its ever growing population and are often regarded as stressed and aggressive. Thus, this study investigates factors affecting their safe operations from health and work environment perspectives (e.g. sleep quality, safety culture) and measures their associated stress and BO level. Sample of four forty nine public and transit bus drivers of the city are interviewed. The questionnaire contained three sections and used different subjective rating different based upon their past reliability. Stress is measured using Siegrist's Effort/Reward imbalance model and Burnout is measured using Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. For predictors, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index is used for sleep quality while Global Aviation Network scale is used for safety culture assessment. Ergonomic design of the driver's workstation is evaluated using five self-constructed questions. Information related to socio-demographic and health factors (i.e. BMI) is also collected. Descriptive and regression analyses (both simple linear and logistics regression) are performed for determination of significant determinants and their associations. Results show the traces of stress in both groups (i.e. public and transit) which is emerged as physical and psychological health damaging factor. As drastic increment in stress is boosting burnout syndrome which is suspected more in public bus drivers as compared to transit drivers. Poor sleep quality (i.e. PSQI >5) along with overweight problem (i.e. BMI>25) is also found in both groups. Regression analyses further confirms their joint effect in instigating stress and burnout. However, safety culture and bus ergonomics are found to moderately effecting both cases. Among socio-demographic factors, low income level is found to be a dominant factor causing stress and burnout. This research concludes that less recognition and focus on health factors and safety culture at organization level are significantly contributing to increased stress and burnout levels of drivers. Specifically, factors such as fear of pay deduction in case of not meeting timelines, prolong sitting on overused buses with lot of vibrations, temperature rise due to engine heat and to drive in a dense noisy traffic during hot summer days are badly affecting health and driving performances of drivers in the city.

Eye care practices among commercial drivers in a developing country

Objective: Vision is regarded as the most important source of information during driving. The need for good eye care practices among the commercial drivers therefore cannot be overemphasized. This study aimed to determine the eye care practices of commercial drivers in a developing country and their association with involvement in road traffic crash (RTC). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 328 registered commercial drivers in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling method was used to select the participants while semi-structured, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the socio-demography, eye care practices and involvement in RTC. Results: Data was analysed using SPSS version 18. The level of significance was set at p -value of less or equal to 0.05. Most (75.8%) of the commercial drivers had clear knowledge on good eye care practices. Majority, 79.6% of them had poor eye care practice. Only one-fifth of the drivers who practice good eye care had been involved in RTC in the last five years ( p = 0.548). There was no statistically significant association between good eye care practices and involvement in RTC. Conclusion: Good eye care practice especially regular eye check at the hospital can help in early detection of poor visual function to enable prompt intervention. The consequences of RTC could be very fatal, it is therefore imperative for commercial drivers to always exhibit good eye care practices bearing in mind the major role of vision in driving. Keywords: Eye care practice, Commercial drivers, Road traffic crash, Developing country

Corrigendum.

AddictionVolume 112, Issue 1 p. 185-185 CorrigendumFree Access Corrigendum This article corrects the following: Risk for involvement in road traffic crash during acute cannabis intoxication Hallvard Gjerde, Jørg Mørland, Volume 111Issue 8Addiction pages: 1492-1495 First Published online: June 21, 2016 First published: 09 December 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13677AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Risk for involvement in road traffic crash during acute cannabis intoxication Hallvard Gjerde & Jørg Mørland Jørg Mørland, a co-author of a letter 1 published in Addiction, would like to add this previously undeclared disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. They are as follows: I am a member of the Norwegian Board of Forensic Medicine which reviews all written expert witness statements given to the Norwegian courts in criminal cases on drug impaired driving. I receive remuneration from the Board for this job. I have acted (and act) as expert witness for the courts in several cases involving driving under the potential influence of cannabis (THC). I have received remuneration for this from the courts or the police. I was the leader of the scientific advisory expert group which worked for the Department of Transportation on the implementation of per se limits for non-alcohol drugs (including THC) in a new Road Traffic Act (2012), and was a member of the reference group acting for the same Department in a revision of the per se limits (2015). I have received remuneration from the Department of Transportation for this work. The author apologizes that this disclosure was not part of the earlier version of the letter. Reference 1Gjerde H., Mørland J. Risk for involvement in road traffic crash during acute cannabis intoxication. Addiction 2016; 111: 1492– 1495. Volume112, Issue1January 2017Pages 185-185 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Restraint Usage Characteristics and Other Factors Associated with Safety of Children Involved in Motor Vehicle Crashes

Involvement in road traffic crashes as vehicle occupants is a leading cause of death and serious injury among children. The objective of this study was to investigate crash severity factors and child safety restraint use characteristics in order to identify effective countermeasures to increase children's highway safety. Characteristics and percentages of restraint use among child passengers aged 4~13 years were examined using highway crash data from Kansas. The association between restraint use, injury severity and characteristics of children involved in crashes were investigated using OR (odds ratios) and a logistic regression model, which was used to identify risk factors. RESULTS showed that children, who were unrestrained, were seated in the front seat, traveling with drunk drivers and on rural roads, and traveling during nighttime was more vulnerable to severe injury in the case of motor vehicle crashes. The most frequent contributing causes related to crashes involving children included driver's inattention while driving, failure to yield right-of-way, driving too fast, wet roads and animals in the road. Based on identified critical factors, general countermeasure ideas to improve children's traffic safety were suggested, including age-appropriate and size-appropriate seat belt restraints and having children seated in the rear seat. Parents and children must gain better education regarding these safety measures in order to increase child safety on the road. Language: en

Community-based study of road traffic accident among Almajirai in Zaria

Background: Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people of age Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study, conducted in Zaria metropolis from June to December 2012. A multistage sampling technique was used to sample clusters of Almajirai. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the data. The information obtained from the respondents included the biodata, basic understanding of the use of roads, application of traffic rules and regulations, involvement in road traffic crash (RTC), the frequency and severity of RTC, where the Almajiri was managed and the outcome of each episode. The analysis was done using SPSS version 20 for the purpose of generating frequency tables, pie and bar charts including mean and Chi-square where applicable. Results: A total of 417 Almajirai participated in the study. Of this number, three hundred and sixteen (75.8%) admitted being involved in at least one form of RTC while 101 (24.2%) were not. Most accidents (23.5%) occurred in their neighborhoods and during rush hours (25%). Only 1%–2% had basic knowledge of road signs and proper use of busy roads. The majority (41.5%) were involved as pedestrian with injury, commonly, affecting the lower extremity. Conclusion: RTC was a significant cause of injury among the Almajirai in Zaria. The most common injury was trauma to the lower extremity. Special attention needs to be paid to this group of children in our society by all road users.

Which drugs are associated with highest risk for being arrested for driving under the influence? A case–control study

The aim of this study was to determine the association between drug type and arrest for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) by calculating odds ratios (ORs) using a case–control design. A DUID arrest is in most cases related to aberrant or risky driving and might therefore be regarded as a proxy for a drug related traffic crash. The ‘cases’ were 2738 drivers arrested on suspicion of drugged driving from April 2008 to March 2009 with blood alcohol concentrations below the legal limit of 0.2g/L; 794 were arrested due to involvement in road traffic crashes, whereas 1944 were arrested for other reasons, mainly dangerous driving, suspected impairment when stopped in traffic controls, or because of phone calls to the police from other road users or observers. The ‘controls’ were 9375 random drivers in normal traffic, also with alcohol concentrations below this limit. Blood samples from ‘cases’ and oral fluid samples from ‘controls’ were analyzed for 15 drugs that have legislative concentration limits in Norway, in addition to two other commonly detected psychoactive drugs. The most prevalent illicit drug in the control group was tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 0.58%), which was also commonly found in samples from drivers arrested due to road crash (15.6%) or arrested for other reasons (21.8%). Amphetamine/methamphetamine was most prevalent among arrested drivers involved in crashes (30.6%) and drivers arrested for other reasons (56.9%), whereas only 0.18% of the control group was positive for amphetamine/methamphetamine. The single-use substances which gave highest OR for police arrest were amphetamine/methamphetamine, alprazolam, clonazepam and oxazepam. The majority of the alprazolam and clonazepam findings were probably due to non-therapeutic use of medicinal drugs purchased on the illegal market. Combinations of two or more drugs yielded higher ORs than the use of single substances; combinations of amphetamine/methamphetamine and benzodiazepines gave the highest risk.

The effect of traffic tickets on road traffic crashes

Road traffic crashes are globally a leading cause of death. The current study tests the effect of traffic tickets issued to drivers on subsequent crashes, using a unique dataset that overcomes some shortcomings of previous studies. The study takes advantage of a national longitudinal dataset at the individual level that merges Israeli census data with data on traffic tickets issued by the police and official data on involvement in road traffic crashes over seven years. The results show that the estimated probability of involvement in a subsequent fatal or severe crash was more than eleven times higher for drivers with six traffic tickets per year compared to those with one ticket per year, while controlling for various confounders. However, the majority of fatal and severe crashes involved the larger population of drivers who received up to one ticket on average per year. The current findings indicate that reducing traffic violations may contribute significantly to crash and injury reduction. In addition, mass random enforcement programs may be more effective in reducing fatal and severe crashes than targeting high-risk recidivist drivers.

Drinking & driving in Viet Nam: prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, and practices in two provinces

ObjectiveViet Nam is experiencing a shift in its burden of disease profile with injuries becoming more prominent. A history of high alcohol involvement in road traffic crashes despite stringent laws led to increased enforcement by police, enhanced public education messaging and targeted social marketing campaigns in Ha Nam and Ninh Binh provinces in Viet Nam. This study aims to illustrate the changes in prevalence (November 2010 to December 2011) and knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) around alcohol use and drink-driving for the year 2011. MethodsBreath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) was collected through police enforcement checkpoints in the two provinces. The proportion of drivers with BrAC above the legal limit was plotted over time for both provinces. The trend in prevalence of drink-driving over time was further assessed using Poisson regression models. Prevailing KAPs were determined through surveying randomly selected road users over the age of 17 years at gas stations at quarterly intervals. Cross tabulations of key variables as well Chi-Square statistic were used to assess associations. ResultsA total of 8,404 drivers were tested for BrAC levels of which less than 0.25% were female. Of 1,639 drivers displaying BrAC levels in excess of the legal limit, 87.3% were car drivers, 7.9% motorcyclists and 86% were between the ages of 25 and 44 years. KAP surveys captured 1,661 drivers over the study period. The prevalence of self-reported drink-driving increased 6 percentage points among respondents aged 27–36. Between 44% (January 2011) and 49% (December 2011) of respondents indicated awareness of a drinking and driving Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) or BrAC limit and only 25% of all study participants recalled being penalized for a traffic violation – none of which were for drink-driving. ConclusionWhile there has been some reduction in drink-driving prevalence, inadequate or incorrect knowledge on drink-driving legislation appears to be an impediment to greater gains. Increased attention needs to be paid to enforcement activities and social marketing campaigns need to be part of a multi-faceted programme that also works on improving existing legislation, takes into consideration gender issues, and enhances visible enforcement of the laws.

Drinking and driving in Vietnam: prevalence, and public knowledge, attitudes, and practices

BackgroundInjuries a leading cause of death in Vietnam and road traffic crashes account for half of those deaths. Alcohol involvement in road traffic crashes remains high.Aims/Objectives/PurposeThis study aims to illustrate...

Drinking and Driving in Vietnam: Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices

Objective: Injuries are among the 10 leading causes of death for all ages in Vietnam, and road traffic fatalities account for approximately half of those deaths. Despite having what is considered to be one of the most stringent alcohol legislations in the region, alcohol involvement in road traffic crashes remains high. This study aims to illustrate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices around alcohol use and drinking and driving by age and sex in 3 provinces in Vietnam. Methods: This study was conducted between January and February 2011, surveying randomly selected road users over the age of 17 years at gas stations in 3 provinces: Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, and Bac Giang, Vietnam. Data were collected for one week at each gas station. A knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) survey was administered in 7 time blocks of 90 min throughout the day, from 07:30 am to 9:30 pm. Results: There were a total of 633 respondents almost evenly divided among the 3 provinces. Males accounted for 69.1 percent of respondents; the majority were 36 years of age or younger. Despite the belief that drinking and driving will increase the risk of a crash, a significant proportion of respondents (44.9%) reported drinking and driving; 56.7 percent admitted to drinking and driving within the last month. Drinking and driving was more common among males, with approximately 60.2 percent indicating a history of drinking and driving. This proportion was particularly high among males aged 17 to 26 (71.4%). It was found that preferred alternatives to drinking and driving when available were leaving with a nondrinker (42%), resting until “feeling conscious” (23%), and drinking less (20%). Conclusions: This study shows that, in general, alcohol use and drinking and driving remain a problem in Vietnam, a major concern given that the country is rapidly motorizing and likewise increasing the likelihood of road traffic crashes in the absence of effective interventions. To target drinking and driving in Vietnam we call for a multifaceted approach, including social marketing and public education campaigns, enhanced enforcement, and programs that either limit the number of drinks to drivers or young individuals or those that provide alternatives to drinking and driving.

Drinking and driving, and alcohol drinking patterns in Argentinean drivers

One of the most important human risk factors for road traffic crashes is alcohol consumption. The relationship between acute alcohol consumption and road traffic crashes has been much studied, nevertheless,...