ABTRACT

Aim: To determine the frequency of road traffic accidents among the alcohol users.

Study Design: Retrospective study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Forensic Medicine& Toxicology, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences, Nawabshah, Shaheed Benazirabad from 1^stJanuary 2014 to 31^stDecember 2017.

Methodology: Two hundred and seventy four samples were collected from Emergency Department, Peoples Medical College Hospital, Nawabshah, Shaheed Benazirabad. Drivers injured following the incident were selected for inclusion in study. After complete examination and evaluation of injuries patients underwent routine baseline investigations along with X-rays, ultrasound and toxicologic screening.

Results: There were 189(69%) males and 85(31%) females. Thirty two(11.6%) patients died among which 21(65.6%) were males and 11(34.3) were females. Forty one (15%) patients tested positive for alcohol intoxication detected at blood toxicology screen on admission to emergency department. Of 32 patients who died, 18 (56%) were alcohol intoxicated.

Conclusion: Alcohol impairs driving and decision taking ability leading to fatal and non-fatal road traffic injuries. The high taxes on alcoholic beverages and low legal blood alcohol levels are helpful in many countries to prevent the incidence of alcohol induced fatal and non-fatal road traffic accidents.