Citation

Pridmore S, Varbanov S, Sale I. Australas. Psychiatry 2016; 25(1): 32-34.

Affiliation

Forensic Psychiatrist, Private Practice, Hobart, TAS, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1039856216658830

PMID

27402643

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We aim to explore the phenomenon of suicide by driving one vehicle into another, and draw attention to the cost to occupants of targeted vehicles.

METHOD: We examined academic literature, court and newspaper reports, and online sources.

RESULTS: Driver suicide may be achieved by colliding with a fixed object or another vehicle. When a second vehicle is targeted, the occupants of that vehicle experience property loss, and potentially physical and psychiatric injury, or death. Driver suicides are associated with death of another person, in 11.3% of cases. Some suicidal individuals are able to act with great consideration for the consequences of their actions.

CONCLUSION: Every effort must be made to help suicidal people with mental disorders or other predicaments. There is a need for public discussion of suicide by targeting an oncoming vehicle. It is less likely that suicide drivers who target other vehicles are unable to choose and more likely they have not considered the consequences of their actions.

© The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2016.

Language: en