Warfarin use and the risk of motor vehicle crash in older drivers

Abstract

Aim: On the basis of a recent report, we assessed whether the use of warfarin by elderly drivers results in an increased risk of motor vehicle crash. Methods: We used computerized records of Quebec insurance programmes, covering a population of 7 million people, to conduct a case-control study based on 5579 cases and 12 911 controls. Results: The rate of injurious motor vehicle crash associated with the use of warfarin in the past year was not elevated (rate ratio 0.74; 95% confidence interval 0.55, 1.05). Conclusions: Warfarin therapy does not appear to increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents in elderly drivers. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.