This report extends the analysis and interpretation of the data gathered in a survey of 1572 road accidents victims taken to Waikato Hospital between 15 November 1979 and 15 November 1980 and reported by Bailey (1984). Emphasis in this volume is on comparing the characteristics of motorcyclists and car drivers. Both road accident victims admitted to hospital and those discharged from the accident and emergency department were included in the survey. The major conclusion of the survey is that the common prescription drugs studied are a minor factor for the injured road accident victims, alcohol is a major factor, present in excess in up to 20 percent of the injured drivers. The figure is higher for the injured car drivers than the injured motorcyclists, although it is appreciably less than the 50 percent or so for the proportion of fatally injured drivers who were drinking drivers. Lack of a control group makes the interpretation of the data difficult. (secondary source).
Abstract