Reviewed the medical and legal consequences of 252 motor vehicle accidents involving drivers admitted to St Mary's hospital between 1981 and 1985, with particular attention to patients with a blood alcohol concentration equal to or above the legally defined threshold for intoxication (100 mg per deciliter). There were 84 such patients, with a median blood alcohol level of 218.5 mg per deciliter. Few of these patients were referred either to alcoholism-rehabilitation programs or to the courts for prosecution. In order to encourage physicians to refer all injured patients with high blood alcohol concentrations to detoxification and rehabilitation programs, injury to intoxicated drivers should be made a reportable condition. Prosecution for driving under the influence of alcohol should be made easier by simplifying the procedures for providing the courts with blood alcohol measurements obtained as part of normal clinical care. (secondary source).
Samenvatting