The Relationship Between Alcohol Use, Blood Alcohol Concentration, and Road Traffic Accidents: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of road traffic accidents (RTAs) worldwide is a significant cause of death, with alcohol being a considerable risk factor. This scoping review aims to assess the prevalence of alcohol use among RTA victims and explore factors influencing these accidents.

METHODOLOGY: Using PubMed and Google Scholar, studies on alcohol intake and its association with RTAs were identified, focusing on observational or exploratory quantitative research published in English-language peer-reviewed journals, examining country, setting, prevalence, and blood alcohol concentration levels.

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies (2005-2024) were included, with 2 focusing on RTA prevalence among alcohol users and 31 on alcohol use among RTA victims. Studies were predominantly retrospective. The prevalence of alcohol use among RTA victims varied between 18% and 78%, with higher rates in countries where alcohol is legal. Male RTA victims and pedestrians were more likely to have alcohol in their system, with many exceeding legal BAC limits.

CONCLUSION

Alcohol use is highly prevalent among individuals involved in RTAs and severity is exacerbated by BAC levels exceeding legal limits; and pedestrians are equally vulnerable. Strengthening enforcement, preventive measures, and advanced technologies, along with global policies, can reduce alcohol-related accidents.