Citation

Rainio J, Sulander P, Hantula L, Nuutinen J, Karkola K. Traffic Injury Prev. 2007; 8(3): 321-328.

Affiliation

Institute of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15389580601118862

PMID

17710723

Abstract

Objectives. The possible connection between diseases among drivers and traffic accidents was examined for traffic safety purposes. Methods. We studied medical conditions of drivers and passengers in all motor vehicle crashes with fatalities in Finland in 2001 and 2002 by using reports of road accident investigation teams, including autopsy reports. We analyzed a total of 542 crashes with 640 fatalities. Findings were also compared with available epidemiological data in Finland. Results. An insignificant difference in the number of reported diseases was present between the different parties involved in crashes. However, among killed key drivers, so-called A-parties, psychiatric diseases, especially alcoholism, depression, and unspecific mental disorders, were diagnosed more often than in the groups of other drivers or passengers. In addition, A-parties were reported to more frequently suffer from cerebral arteriosclerosis and arterial hypertension. Conclusions. Drivers' diseases can be a risk factor for traffic accidents. Fitness to drive should therefore be considered in medical practice, particularly in patients with alcoholism and other psychiatric disorders.

Language: en