ALCOHOL INVOLVEMENT IN FATAL ROAD ACCIDENTS IN SPAIN

Studies carried out since the 1930s have indicated a strong relationship between increases in blood alcohol concentration in a motor-vehicle driver and increases in the risk of his/her involvement in a road crash and related morbidity and mortality. Two out of every three European citizens who are old enough to drive do so and about 47% of European drivers drink alcohol at least once per week. When drivers were interviewed, 10% said that they might drive while over the legal limit in their country, and it is estimated that 3-4% of journeys by car involve drivers with a blood alcohol of 0.5 gr/l or more. About 5% or less of drivers cause 20% of traffic accidents where there are serious or fatal injuries while under the influence of alcohol. The problem of drink-driving is of special relevance in Spain. This is not only due to the fact that it is normal to consume alcohol and, consequently to drive under the influence of alcohol, but also to Spain's alcohol-related culture: its society is very permissive towards consumption and is tolerant towards alcohol-related problems. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 893732.