Intoxicated Motor Vehicle Passengers

Abstract

MOTOR VEHICLE crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of injury deaths,¹ and it is estimated that 40 people are injured for every person killed.² Alcohol is the leading risk factor for injury and has been implicated in nearly 50% of fatal MVCs. Alcohol use is more prevalent in fatal than in nonfatal injuries,³ and injury deaths occur with greater frequency among heavy drinkers.^4,5 People with alcohol dependence are 3 to 5 times more likely than the general population to be killed in an MVC.⁶ Alcohol use disorders are the most common comorbid condition in trauma patients, affecting 25% to 40%.^7-9