Citation

Mock C, Asiamah G, Amegashie J. Annu. Proc. Assoc. Adv. Automot. Med. 1998; 42: 335-351.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

To ascertain the prevalence and pattern of alcohol-impaired driving in an African nation, we conducted a random roadside breathalyzer survey of drivers in Ghana. A total of 149 (21%) of 722 drivers tested had a detectable blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In addition, 7.3% of drivers had a BAC = 80 mg/dl. The prevalence of impaired driving (BAC lt 80) was higher among private drivers (9.8%) than commercial drivers (6.4%). However, due to a higher volume, the majority (64%) of impaired drivers were commercial drivers. Alcohol use was higher among illiterate (11%) compared to literate drivers (5.4%) and was higher among middle-aged drivers (30 - 49 years, 9.1% impaired) compared with younger (lt 30 years; 5.0%) or older drivers (gt/= 50 years; 0%). Alcohol-impaired driving is a significant problem in this African nation. Anti-drunk driving measures should be an important component of road safety efforts. Such measures may need to be different than industrialized nations and will need to target illiterate drivers, middle-aged drivers, and commercial drivers.

Language: en