Mattson ME, Cai R, Woodward A. J. Saf. Res. 2015; 53: 45-51.
Affiliation
Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Services Administration, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857 (overnight mail use 20850), USA.
INTRODUCTION: Emergency department (ED) visits resulting from motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) among individuals younger than 21 impaired by alcohol and/or drugs have been less studied than MVC fatalities.
METHOD: Using data from 2004 to 2011, we compare the magnitude and pattern of national ED visit and mortality data for alcohol- and drug-impaired youths involved in MVCs.
RESULTS: Temporal patterns of ED visits are similar to those of fatalities, but the two differ in magnitude. The ratio of ED visits to fatalities is 3.5:1; alcohol related events involvement dominates other drugs in both categories.
DISCUSSION: The volume of injuries serious enough to warrant ED visits imposes significant health, social, and financial burdens. In ED visits, alcohol is the prime source of MVC morbidity burden; other drugs consistently contribute less. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: These incidents are persistent and require interventions aimed at multiple levels of prevention, including stricter corrective steps earlier in the impaired driving career to reduce subsequent incidents. ED visits for MVC injuries can be important "teachable moments." Limitations of the study indicate the need for improved surveillance of underage substance-involved crashes.