Jale Kesen, M. Topbaş, K. Gündüz, M. Yandı

1Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Acil Tıp Anabilim Dalı
2Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı, Trabzon

Keywords: Drinking alcohol, driver, traffic accident, emergency

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Various researches have pointed out that the drunk drivers is one of the most important reasons of traffic accidents. METHODS: We have analyzed the features of the relationship between the alcohol and traffic accident retrospectively by reviewing the files of the drivers presented with traffic accident to the Karadeniz Teknik University Hospital Emergency Department in the year of 2000. RESULTS: We have found that 544 patients presented with trafic accident injury in the year of 2000. The number of drivers among the injured 544 patients is 97 (17.8%) and the number of the drivers used alcohol that was determined in blood analyses is 39 (40.2%). There is no significant difference between the ages of the people using and not using alcohol. The drivers whose blood contains alcohol much more than the legal limit(50 promil) is 66,7%. The peak time interval of intoxicated patients coming to emergency services is between 00: 01-05: 59 a.m. and also their blood alcohol levels are associatied with their Glasgow Coma Scores (p= -0,44,p=0,039).
CONCLUSIONS: Driving after using alcohol is one of the most important reasons of traffic accidents. The scoring systems classifying the consciousness is influenced by alcohol levels.