This study was designed to evaluate the correlation between fatal traffic accidents (FTA) and consumption of alcohol and/or drugs among drivers. Between 1996 and 2000 in Hong Kong, a total of 202 FTA cases of deceased drivers were investigated. The blood and/or urine samples of the victims were examined for the presence of alcohol and drugs. The 202 cases were classified into 2 groups: single vehicle crashes and multiple vehicle crashes. Out of the 118 cases for the latter group, alcohol and/or drugs were detected in 32 cases (27%) while the remaining cases (73%) were regarded as negative. As for the 84 cases in single vehicle crash group, 47 cases (54%) were positive for alcohol and/or drugs. The findings indicate that drivers consuming alcohol and/or drugs had a higher risk of being involved in fatal traffic accidents. The number of cases with ketamine, methamphetamine and MDMA detected has increased in recent years as these party drugs have gained popularity in Hong Kong. (Abstract only) (Author/publisher) For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD Abstract No. E201067.
Samenvatting