Effects of two liquor store strikes on drunkenness, impaired driving and traffic accidents

tag=1 data=Effects of two liquor store strikes on drunkenness, impaired driving and traffic accidents tag=2 data=Smart, Reginald G. tag=3 data=Journal of Studies on Alcohol Vol. 38 No. 9 tag=6 data=^d ^m ^y1977 tag=8 data=ALCOHOL tag=9 data=SCANDINAVIA%NEWFOUNDLAND%NOVA SCOTIA tag=15 data=JO

The Impact of Depression on Driver Performance

This study reviews the existing literature concerning the association between depression and driver safety. Despite its increasing prevalence and its disabling impact on the world’s population, there is surprisingly little research examining the impact of depressive disorders on driver performance. The review begins by examining the early studies of drivers deemed “mentally ill” and the subsequent epidemiological literature including case–control and prospective cohort studies of depressed drivers. The review also examines the more recent experimental investigations of depression and driver performance that have relied on naturalistic measurements and advanced driving simulation. The review concludes with a discussion of relevant issues (e.g., the impact of antidepressants on driver performance, suicide by driving), public policy implications of the research, and future research directions

Age group differences in self-reported aggressive driving perpetration and victimization

Aim: This study examined whether the predictors of self-reported aggressive driving perpetration and victimization vary across age groups. Method: Based on data from a general-population telephone survey conducted from July 2002 through June 2005, three groups of drivers were examined: 18–34 year-olds (N = 1522), 35–54 year-olds (N = 2726), and 55 years of age or older (N = 1883). For each age group sample, logistic regression analyses examined self-reported aggressive driving perpetration and victimization in the last 12 months by measures of driving exposure, heavy drinking, cannabis use, and drinking-driving, while controlling for demographic factors. Results: The prevalence of aggressive driving perpetration within the past year was highest for the youngest age group (51%), followed by the middle-aged group (37%), and then the oldest age group (18%). The same pattern of results was found for prevalence of aggressive driving victimization (54%, 47%, and 31%, respectively). Controlling for demographic factors, the predictors of perpetration were generally consistent across the age groups. The logistic regression model for the youngest drivers revealed that those who reported stressful driving, heavy drinking, and cannabis use had significantly increased odds of reporting perpetration of aggressive driving. For middle-aged and older drivers, stressful driving, driving on busy roads, cannabis use, and driving after drinking were associated with perpetration. In addition, increased mileage contributed to perpetration in the oldest group. The findings for victimization by aggressive driving were similar. The logistic regression model for the youngest age group identified stressful driving, cannabis use, and higher annual mileage as being associated with victimization. For the oldest age group, these same variables were significant predictors of victimization, in addition to driving on busy roads. The logistic regression for the middle-aged group identified the same predictors as that of the oldest age group; however, interestingly driving after drinking was found to predict lower victimization among middle-aged drivers. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of aggressive driving perpetration and victimization declined with age, the factors that contributed to aggressive driving remained generally stable across the lifespan. The results suggest that efforts to reduce aggressive driving among young drivers may prove to be effective for drivers from all age groups

The impact of probable anxiety and mood disorder on self-reported collisions: A population study

Background: Individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorder are at significantly increased risk of death and serious injury, to which motor vehicle collisions may be important contributors. This study examined the association between probable anxiety or mood disorder (AMD) and self-reported collision risk in a large representative sample of the adult population in Ontario. Methods: Based on data from a regionally stratified general-population telephone survey of adults conducted from 2002 through 2009 (N=12,830), a logistic regression analysis examined self-reported collision involvement in the previous 12 months by measures of demographic characteristics, driving exposure, impaired driving behaviour, and probable AMD. Results: Controlling for demographic variables and potential confounders, probable AMD was associated with an increased risk of collision involvement (OR=1.78, 95% CI=1.37, 2.31). Limitations: The use of self-report measures and the potential for bias created by groups excluded because they do not have access to landline telephones represent limitations to the current findings. Nevertheless, the benefits of a large sample derived from general population survey data far outweigh these limitations. Conclusions: The results suggest that the increased risk of injury and mortality associated with some psychiatric disorders is at least partially related to increased risk of collision involvement. The magnitude of the increase in risk associated with probable AMD is similar to that seen among individuals who drive after drinking or using cannabis. In view of these findings, more work to understand this risk among individuals experiencing probable AMD and how it can be avoided is necessary