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)