The Injured Intoxicated Driver: Analysis of the Conviction Process.
Publication/Presentation Date
9-2001
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The widespread nature of alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions suggests inadequacies in the system for deterring alcohol use when driving. This study was performed to determine whether hospitalization is a component in a "system failure" that allows injured, alcohol-impaired drivers to escape arrest and conviction for driving under the influence (DUI).
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of medical and court records of intoxicated drivers injured in a motor vehicle collision who were transported to our Level I trauma center from January 1, 1997, through December 31, 1998.
RESULTS: Of the 213 intoxicated drivers in our study, 172 (81%) were followed up by law enforcement officials, and 156 (73.2%) were arrested for DUI. Of those who were arrested and completed court hearings, 135 (93.8%) were convicted for DUI.
CONCLUSION: These values are higher than those reported in previous studies and indicate that hospitalization does not "protect" injured, intoxicated drivers in our community.
Volume
51
Issue
3
First Page
551
Last Page
556
ISSN
0022-5282
Published In/Presented At
Chang, S., Cushman, J. G., & Pasquale, M. D. (2001). The injured intoxicated driver: analysis of the conviction process. The Journal Of Trauma, 51(3), 551-556.
Disciplines
Surgery
PubMedID
11535909
Department(s)
Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery Faculty
Document Type
Article