The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of driving while impaired (DWI) charges among alcohol-intoxicated drivers injured in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) and any differences in the group of those charged compared with those not charged. A retrospective analysis of linked data from medical and judicial sources was performed in an urban emergency department of a trauma center serving a population of 1 million. Consecutive drivers injured in MVCs who had measured serum ethanol (BAC) levels over 100 mg/dL or higher were studied over a period of 15 months. BAC, Trauma Score (TS), demographics, and crash data were linked to court records of charges, outcome, and prior convictions. The results are given and conclusions are drawn. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting