Alcohol y accidentes de tráfico¿Prevenir qué?

Resumen

Objective: traffic accidents account for one the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Driving under the effects of alcohol is one of the principal causes of traffic accidentality. This article aims to analyze the relationship between alcohol and traffic accidentality, and what can an should be done to avoid alcohol related traffic accidentality. Material and methods: the effects of alcohol on driving capacity, relationship between alcohol and traffic accidents, normative features, magnitude of alcohol related traffic accidents as well as intervention strategies to reduce traffic accidentality related with alcohol are analyzed. Results: among the interventions aimed at reducing alcohol related traffic accidentality, administrative measures, educational and public information interventions, legal measures, establishment and improvement of alternative public transportation systems, establishment of passive devises in the vehicle (interlock), the reduction of the availability of alcohol in areas close to communications routes, as well as detection, rehabilitation and reinsertion of the driver who reoffends in driving under the effects of alcohol must be mentioned. Conclusions: most traffic accidents can be avoided (prevented). The interventions necessary to obtain a reduction in traffic accidentality related with alcohol consumption are known, although it is necessary to establish them in a coordinated way and from an interdisciplinary perspective.