The present study reports a detailed analysis of crashes involving intoxicated pedestrians in the ATSB Coronial Database. All records for the years 1999, 2001 and 2002 which involved the death of a pedestrian aged 16 or over who had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 grammes/100ml or greater were selected for inclusion in the study. The general pattern of findings relating to intoxicated pedestrian crashes was replicated, the crashes being associated with male deceased, high BACs, night and weekend occurrence, and over-representation of indigenous persons. Recommendations arising from the study include according the issue of intoxicated pedestrians a higher priority; strengthening Responsible Serving of Alcohol programs; publicity aimed at patrons and drivers; programs targeted at disadvantaged groups in the community; traffic engineering treatments outside drinking venues; continuing monitoring of alcohol affected traffic casualties, and changes to Coronial procedures and their reporting to improve their value in understanding underlying behavioural patterns. (Author/publisher)
Abstract