Personality disorders of drivers killed in fatal motor vehicle accidents in Finland during 1990-2011.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of personality disorders (PDs) to deaths of drivers in fatal motor vehicle accidents (FMVAs) and analyze gender differences in lifetime psychiatric disorders and medico-legal findings at the time of accident.

METHOD: The study sample consisted of 4810 Finnish drivers killed in FMVAs in Finland between 1990 and 2011. Doctor-diagnosed PD was found in 146 drivers (118 men and 28 women). The information of psychiatric morbidity was obtained from the Finnish Care Register for Health Care.

RESULTS

The proportion of deceased drivers with PDs had increased significantly over the study period, particularly among females and those with PD not otherwise specified (NOS). Suicidality and use of medication affecting driving ability were more common among females with PD compared to males with PD. 88% of all deceased drivers with PD had comorbid psychiatric disorders.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that PDs may predispose drivers to FMVAs, particularly females. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating the fitness-to-drive of subjects with PD and especially comorbid substance use disorders, which may relate to an increased risk of fatal motor accidents.