ALCOHOL, THE ELDERLY, AND MOTOR-VEHICLE CRASHES

To document the prevalence of alcohol or drug use among elderly driver s admitted to a Level 1 trauma center after motor vehicle crashes, cha rts from 180 drivers age 60 years or older who were admitted to an urb an Level 1 trauma center after motor vehicle crashes were retrospectiv ely reviewed. Overall, 14% of the patients had a positive blood alcoho l screen; among men, 21% had a positive screen. Only 55% of the patien ts were discharged to home, Only one patient (<1%) had a toxicology sc reen positive for another drug of abuse. Alcohol/drug abuse counsellin g was offered to only one patient. These results suggest a relatively high prevalence of alcohol use in elderly drivers involved in motor ve hicle crashes, particularly men. However, abuse of other drugs was unc ommon. Physicians treating intoxicated drivers should consider referra l for alcohol counselling. (Am J Emerg Med 1996;14:265-267. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company)