A random, roadside, breathalyzer survey of drivers was conducted in Ghana to ascertain the prevalence and pattern of alcohol impaired driving in an African nation. A total of 149 (21%) of 722 drivers tested had a detectable blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In addition, 7.3% of drivers had a BAC equal to or more than 80 mg/dl. The prevalence of impaired driving (BAC equal to or more than 80) was higher among private drivers (9.8%) than commercial drivers (6.4%). However, due to a higher volume, the majority (64%) of impaired drivers were commercial drivers. Alcohol use was higher among illiterate (11%) compared to literate drivers (5.4%), and was higher among middle-aged drivers (30-49 years; 9.1% impaired) compared with younger (below 30 years of age; 5.0%) or older drivers (50 years or older; 0%). Alcohol impaired driving is a significant problem in Ghana. Anti-drunk driving measures should be an important component of road safety efforts. These measures may need to be different from those in industrialized nations, and will need to target illiterate drivers, middle-aged drivers, and commercial drivers. (A)
Samenvatting