This study examined the distribution of blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) in injured drivers 65 and older and the relationship of older-driver BAC to driving record and crash responsibility. Researchers conducted a retrospective examination of 11 years of data from the Oregon Trauma Registry. The data showed substantial differences in BAC reporting by age for trauma patients in general, and for those treated because of injuries sustained as a driver in a crash. All patients 65 and older, including crash-involved drivers, had a significantly lower rate of BAC testing than did all other age groups. The Trauma Registry data showed that approximately 10% of all BAC tested, crash-involved drivers over 65 had measurable (positive) BACs. Of those who tested positive, BACs in excess of the illegal per se limit were common; 60.3% had BACs at or above .160 g/dL. Results also showed older drivers with positive BACs at the time of their crashes had notably worse driving records than their crash-involved peers with negative BACs (<0.02). A responsibility analysis revealed that in nearly all cases crash responsibility was attributed to older drivers when those drivers had positive BACs. The much higher responsibility level of older drivers with positive BACs highlights the influence that alcohol produces above and beyond the effects of aging alone. Overall, the study results suggest that drivers over 65 are less likely than their younger counterparts to test positive for alcohol after a crash that requires treatment at a trauma center. When older drivers do test positive, however, their BACs are generally high -- well above the illegal per se limit for driving. Moreover, the strong relationship between older drivers’ BAC and their prior driving records and crash responsibility highlight the need to focus more attention on countermeasures for drinking drivers 65 and older. (Author/publisher)
Abstract