Alcohol consumption and traffic and non-traffic accidents in Australia, 1924-2006

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between changes in per capita alcohol consumption and traffic and non-traffic accident deaths in Australia from 1924 to 2006. We will also examine the impact of the introduction of random breath testing (RBT) on both types of accident mortality. Gender and age specific traffic and non-traffic mortality rates (15 years and above) were analysed in relation to per capita alcohol consumption using Box-Jenkins techniques for time series analysis. The external effect of the introduction of RBT was measured by inserting a dummy variable in the time series models. Statistically significant associations between per capita alcohol consumption and both types of accident mortality were found in both males and females. The results suggest that an increase in per capita alcohol consumption of 1 litre was accompanied by an increase in accident mortality 3.4 among males and 0.5 among females per 100 000 inhabitants. A 1- litre increase in per capita alcohol consumption corresponded to an increase in non-traffic mortality about 3.0 among males and 0.9 among females. The association between alcohol consumption and traffic accidents was stronger among younger people than older people. However, the relationship between alcohol consumption and non-traffic accidents was weaker in younger people than older people. The estimated effects of the introduction of RBT show significantly reductions in traffic mortality in Australia, particularly for males and young people. Changes in alcohol consumption have had substantial effect on both traffic and non-traffic accidents. Policies for controlling alcohol consumption would effectively help to reduce traffic and non-traffic accidents in Australia. Specific policies aimed at reducing drink-driving have demonstrably reduced traffic accident deaths.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.icadtsinternational.com/files/documents/2013_073.pdf
• 
• Authors:
  • Livingston, M
  • Jiang, H
• Conference:
  • International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety (T2013), 20th, 2013, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
• Publication Date: 2013-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 449-54
• Monograph Title: 20th International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conference Proceedings, 25-28 August 2013, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alcohol breath tests; Alcohol effects; Crash analysis; Crash rates; Drivers; Drunk driving; High risk drivers; Intoxication; Policy
• Uncontrolled Terms: Safe systems (road users)
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• ATRI Terms: Alcohol effects; Breath test; Crash analysis; Crash rate; Drink driving; Policy
• ITRD Terms: 1542: Alcohol test
• Subject Areas: Policy; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01500762
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 5 2013 8:47AM