A suicide is seldom surprising or sudden, but usually the end result of a process of long lasting difficulties in various areas of life. The life courses of 106 motor vehicle drivers who had crashed their vehicle in order to commit suicide were investigated. The research questions covered e.g. the history of the social relationships of the drivers, use of alcohol and work situation. Also possible somatic and psychiatric problems were covered. These motor vehicle suicides had occurred during 1974-1992, and they were compared to the results of the "Suicides in Finland 1987" project where all suicides during one year were investigated (n=1397). Problems in various life areas characterised both groups. The suicide drivers were more often males (90% compared to 77%) and they were typically between 25-34 years of age. The typical age in other types of suicides was between 35-44 years. More detailed comparisons of life areas will be presented. Results are discussed from a life style perspective. For the covering abstract see ITRD E113725 (C 22328 CD-ROM).
Abstract