Factors associated with motor vehicle accidents among male alcoholics

Male alcoholics (N = 260) presenting for inpatient treatment were given a structured psychiatric interview that included questions about previous motor vehicle accidents while intoxicated. The histories of 57 patients who reported personal injury accidents were compared with those of 131 patients who did not report accidents. Patients reporting accidents were more severely ill and had an earlier onset of heavy drinking. Also, more patients with accidents belonged to a subgroup of alcoholics with antisocial personality. The identification of high-risk alcoholics may contribute to motor vehicle accident prevention.