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. 2006:50:91-106.

Crash culpability and the role of driver blood alcohol levels

Joseph A Kufera  1 , Carl A Soderstrom, Patricia C Dischinger, Shiu M Ho, Angela Shepard
Affiliations

Crash culpability and the role of driver blood alcohol levels

Joseph A Kufera et al. Annu Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med. 2006.

Abstract

Twenty years ago the American Medical Association reported the relationship between blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and crash causation. This study addresses culpability, age, gender and BAC in a population of drivers injured in motor vehicle crashes. Five years of hospital and crash data were linked, using probabilistic techniques. Trends in culpability were analyzed by BAC category. Given BAC level, the youngest and oldest drivers were more likely to have caused their crash. Women drivers had significantly higher odds of culpability at the highest BAC levels. Seatbelt use was also associated with culpability, perhaps as a marker for risk-taking among drinkers.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Increasing Percent Culpability as BAC Levels Rise
Figure 2
Figure 2
Increasing Odds of Culpability as BAC Levels Rise
Figure 3
Figure 3
Culpability Greatest for Younger and Older Drivers at All BAC levels
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