Samenvatting
In 1984, NASS data indicates that alcohol was involved in at least 43% of fatalities and 29% of non-fatal serious injuries resulting from U.S. motor vehicle accidents. An earlier clinical study suggests over 50% of non-fatal injuries involve alcohol. This paper analyses these studies and presents data from laboratories on the interaction of alcohol with cardiac or spinal cord contusion. Data show that acute intoxication significantly increases the risk of immediate or delayed fatality after cardiac injury, and that post-contusion spinal cord pathology and functional recovery are worsened by acute intoxication.