This paper presents data, which suggest that anxiety, depression and car-related fears continue for many years among injured disabled motor vehicle accident victims. 149 individuals, of whom 71% were drivers, were sampled from motor vehicle collision victims, aged at least 18, admitted to a Regional Trauma Unit at a health centre in Ontario, Canada. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was routinely measured whenever a patient was admitted. 93% of the sample had an average of 42 outpatient appointments after discharge. Other problems experienced were: (1) more family stress and upset (49%); (2) more financial problems (50%); (3) a greater fear of driving (39%); (4) a greater fear of cars (25%); (5) more nervousness or anxiety (39%); (6) more sleeping difficultis (44%); (7) more depression (40%); (8) more difficulty in controlling temper (30%). BAC data were available for 89% of the sample, with 21% reporting BAC positive on admission. BAC negatives were significantly more likely to be taking prescription medication and tranquilizers than BAC positives, although they were not significantly more seriously injured. Among the BAC positives, drinking and driving was still common after the accident. Both BAC positives and BAC negatives often had subsequent crashes.
Abstract