This analysis was aimed at investigating the factors decisively involved in the occurrence and serious consequences of "disco accidents". The information gathered is to be used for development of measures leading to the reduction of these types of accidents. The data for the analysis is based on a three-month nationwide study of all accidents involving casualties, which took place on the way to, from, or on the way between discos. During the three-month study, 216 disco accidents were registered. Sixty-four young people were killed and 484 were seriously injured. 61 percent of the drivers involved in the accidents had blood alcohol contents that were too high. The percentage of drivers under the influence of alcohol was significantly higher in congested urban areas than in rural areas. An accumulation of these accidents was identified in left hand curves with large curve radii. In these curves vehicles overloading in connection with a lack of knowledge about the physics of driving on the part of the young drivers accounted for 20 percent of the accidents. Among other factors, the serious consequences of disco accidents can be attributed to the high percentage of unfastened seatbelts - particularly in the back seat. From a social-psychological point of view the study show that young drivers' accident proneness is correlated with their membership of definite leisure and lifestyle groups. Some factors that constitute leisure - and lifestyle might have a negative effect on driving style and accordingly on accident proneness. Accordingly, future concepts of traffic safety campaigns should develop differential messages directed at young drivers. (A)
Abstract