Blood alcohol concentration among injured drivers in Hualien County

Vehicle-related injuries are the major cause of death and injuries in Hualien County. Driving under the influence of alcohol plays a major role in such crashes. From December 1997 to May 1998, we determined the blood alcohol concentrations of 750 injured drivers from vehicle crashes, visiting the two emergency rooms of teaching hospitals in Hualien. The objectives of this study were to investigate the incidence of alcohol used in vehicle crashes, to identify the prevalence groups for prevention and to discuss alcohol testing at emergency services. Sixty-four percent were male; 27.5% were aborigines. The mean age was 36.5 +/- 16.5 years. About 54.1% tested positive for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which ranged from 13 to 611 mg/dL; 38.6% had BAC levels exceeding 50 mg/dL and 21.1% exceeding 200 mg/dL. The mean BAC was 85.9 mg/dL (+/- 118.5). Middle-aged males and aborigines were more likely to drive under the influence of alcohol. We recommend blood alcohol testing to be mandatory at the emergency service and to be used as evidence for prosecution in a court of law. Preventing drunk driving through community programs is imperative, especially in the aboriginal communities.