A cohort study of drink-driving motor vehicle crashes and alcohol-related diseases

Abstract

Objectives: To elicit whether drivers involved in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes are more likely to have future alcohol-related hospital admissions. Method: A population-based cohort study of 3,286 drivers involved in a motor vehicle crash between 1988 and 1992 were followed over an eight to 13-year period. Results: The findings from the study suggest a twofold increased risk associated with an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash and future alcohol-related hospital admission. The average time between an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash and future alcohol-related hospital admission was 12 years. Men and Indigenous Australian drivers were more likely to have a future alcohol-related hospital admission. Conclusion: It is evident from this study that drink-driving resulting in a motor vehicle crash and hospitalisation could be considered an indicator of a less overt problem of alcohol dependency. Implications: It is important that penalties for drink-driving go beyond merely punitive action and provide rehabilitation.