This project generated base-rate epidemiologic data with respect to the prevalence of alcohol among persons injured in road crashes in Canada. Data were collected from 1,148 blood and breath specimens derived from persons reporting to emergency wards for the treatment of traffic-related injuries over a one year time period at four major hospitals in the Province of New Brunswick. Results indicated overall rate of drinking, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by victim type, and BAC by injury severity. Based on the results as considered within the larger context of existing research and countermeasure efforts in Canada, several recommendations were advanced. These referred to mandatory blood alcohol testing, legal penalties for impaired driving, the overall approach to impaired driving in Canada, the need for greater coordination of the road safety effort, and further research.
Abstract