Everything Is Bigger in Texas: Alcohol Impaired Driving in Houston (2014–2018)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corissa Rodgers ◽  
Melissa Lloyd ◽  
Peter Stout ◽  
Dayong Lee
Keyword(s):  
Public Safety ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Driving Under The Influence ◽  
Science Center ◽  
Impaired Driving ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Drug Concentrations ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Alcohol Impaired Driving

Abstract Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) poses a continued public safety risk in Texas, which has one of the highest alcohol impaired traffic fatality rates. This study aimed to identify alcohol and drug use trends seen in DWI/DUID cases in the city of Houston from 2014 to 2018 to better understand the populations at risk. Blood samples submitted to the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) were evaluated for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), drug concentrations and demographics. During the 5-year period, 12,682 Houston driver blood samples had a mean (median) BAC of 0.151 g/dL (0.167 g/dL) and age of 36.3 (34) years. Fifty percent of samples were white males. Seventy-five percent of samples were individuals aged 21 to 44 years. Between 2014 and 2018, the number of cases submitted nearly doubled, from approximately 2,000 cases per year to over 3,700. In 2014, 23% of cases submitted required further analysis per HFSC testing policy (drug screen and confirmation for DWI/DUID cases when BAC < 0.100 g/dL), which rose to 27% by 2018. Of those, 36% were polydrug cases, requiring two or more confirmation tests. Cannabinoids was the most common drug class detected (34% of cases analyzed for drugs), followed by benzodiazepines (25%), phencyclidine (20%), cocaine/metabolites (15%) and opioids (12%). Phencyclidine rose from the fifth-most commonly detected drug in 2014 to the second-most drug in 2018. Only 3% of all cases (n = 408) were negative for both alcohol and drugs. Communication between law enforcement and laboratory management is recommended to address growing caseload more effectively. The study limitations (e.g., limited scope of analysis) suggest the present data underestimated the full extent of impaired driving in Houston, indicating even more urgent needs for increasing resources and efforts to reduce this serious threat to public safety.

A Review of Alcohol-Impaired Driving: The Role of Blood Alcohol Concentration and Complexity of the Driving Task

2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1238-1250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teri L. Martin ◽  
Patricia A. M. Solbeck ◽  
Daryl J. Mayers ◽  
Robert M. Langille ◽  
Yvona Buczek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Impaired Driving ◽  
Alcohol Impaired Driving ◽  
Driving Task

scholarly journals Perceptions of alcohol-impaired driving and the blood alcohol concentration standard in the United States

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 73-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Eby ◽  
Lisa J. Molnar ◽  
Lidia P. Kostyniuk ◽  
Renée M. St. Louis ◽  
Nicole Zanier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
The United States ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Impaired Driving ◽  
Alcohol Impaired Driving

4. Are a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 256mg/dl and Minimal Signs of Impairment Reliable Indications of Alcohol Dependence?

1994 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
A W Jones
Keyword(s):  
Expert Witness ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Drunk Driving ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Driving Under The Influence ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Lower Court ◽  
Dna Profile ◽  
Court Of Appeals ◽  
Driving Scenario

This article describes a drink-driving scenario where a woman was apprehended for driving under the influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 256mg/dl1 The correctness of this result was vigorously challenged by a medical expert witness for the defence, who was actually a specialist in alcohol diseases. Despite reanalysis to confirm the BAC as well as a DNA profile to prove the identity of the blood specimen, the woman was acquitted of the charge of drunk driving by the lower court. However, she was subsequently found guilty in the High Court of Appeals with a unanimous decision and sentenced to four weeks imprisonment. This case report illustrates some of the problems surrounding the use of expert medical evidence by the defence to challenge the validity of the prosecution evidence based solely on a suspect's BAC. In situations such as these, an expert witness should be called by the prosecution to clarify and, if necessary, rebut medical and/or scientific opinions that might mislead the court and influence the outcome of the trial.

scholarly journals Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the Relationship of Alcohol-Related Injury and Perceived Driving Under the Influence from Hours of Exposure to High Blood Alcohol Concentration: Data From Four US National Alcohol Surveys (2000–2015)

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 564-570
Author(s):  
Cheryl J Cherpitel ◽  
Edwina Williams ◽  
Yu Ye ◽  
William C Kerr
Keyword(s):  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Driving Under The Influence ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Concentration Data ◽  
Predicted Probability ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Abstract Aims To analyze racial/ethnic disparities in risk of two alcohol-related events, alcohol-related injury and self-reported perceived driving under the influence (DUI) from hours of exposure to an elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Methods Risk curves for the predicted probability of these two outcomes from the number of hours of exposure to a BAC ≥ 0.08 mg% in the past year were analyzed separately for whites, blacks and Hispanics in a merged sample of respondents from four US National Alcohol Surveys (2000–2015). Results Hours of exposure to a BAC ≥ 0.08 showed a stronger association with perceived DUI than with alcohol-related injury for all racial/ethnic groups. Greater risk was found for whites than blacks or Hispanics for outcomes at nearly all BAC exposure levels, and most marked at the highest level of exposure. Risk of both outcomes was significant for whites at all exposure levels, but small for alcohol-related injury. Little association was found for alcohol-related injury for blacks or Hispanics. For perceived DUI, risk for blacks was significantly elevated at lower levels of exposure, while risk for Hispanics was significantly elevated beginning at 30 h of exposure. Conclusions Findings showed racial/ethnic differences in risk of alcohol-related injury and perceived DUI from hours of exposure to elevated BAC. Risk increased at relatively low levels of exposure to a BAC ≥ 0.08, especially for whites, highlighting the importance of preventive efforts to reduce harmful outcomes for moderate drinkers.

scholarly journals Trends in amphetamine and benzodiazepine use among drivers arrested for drug impaired driving in Norway 2000-2009

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stig Tore Bogstrand ◽  
Gerrit Middelkoop ◽  
Asbjørg S. Christophersen
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Driving Under The Influence ◽  
Impaired Driving ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
The Past ◽  
Single Substance ◽  
Total Prevalence ◽  
Benzodiazepine Use ◽  
Drug Seizure

The patterns of drug use among drivers suspected for driving under the influence of non-alcohol drugs have changed over the past ten years. The aim of this study was to describe trends in single substance prevalence and total prevalence of benzodiazepines and amphetamines in blood samples from apprehended drivers, and compare findings with statistics of drug seizure by year. The sample represented totally 39935 apprehended drivers, varying from about 3500 to 4800 each year between 2000 and 2009. The study found that after 2002 the prevalence of benzodiazepine has ranged from 52 to 57% among all apprehended drivers. There have been major changes in single substance prevalence, and the changes are similar to the changes in benzodiazepine seized by the police. There was no significant changes in the prevalence of amphetamines from 2000 to 2009 (35-43%), but the most prevalent stimulant has shifted from amphetamine to methamphetamine in both police seizures and blood samples from apprehended drivers. A combination of benzodiazepines and amphetamines was commonly detected in samples from apprehended drivers.

scholarly journals Reporting measurement uncertainties with ethanol results

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-261
Author(s):  
Serpil Erdogan ◽  
Orhan Sen ◽  
Ceylan Bal ◽  
Dilek Oztas ◽  
Gamze Avcioglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Uncertainty ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Total Error ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Electronic Patient Records ◽  
Impaired Driving ◽  
Ethanol Level ◽  
Alcohol Impaired Driving ◽  
Measurement Uncertainties ◽  
Country Specific

AbstractBackgroundAll measurements are affected by errors whose quantitative expressions are called measurement uncertainty. Blood, urine, breath or serum alcohol concentration is measured to assess if an offence has been committed. In this study, we aimed to calculate the measurement uncertainty for ethanol.Materials and methodsMeasurement uncertainty was calculated according to the Nordtest guidelines by tracking six steps. All of the patient ethanol results were scanned and recorded between October 2015 and March 2016 by using electronic patient records.ResultsThe measurement uncertainty value was calculated as ±12.25%. The results from 1178 patients referred to our hospital for serum ethanol level analyses were scanned. Of the 1178 ethanol results, 597 were driver. Male persons have higher probability of alcohol-impaired driving than female persons [p = 0.007; odds ratio was 2.239 (1.211–4.141 with 95% confidence interval)].ConclusionThe measurement uncertainty for ethanol concentrations measured in our laboratory was lower than the allowable total error (TEa) of the guidelines (20%). Laboratories that analyze ethanol have to be more transparent about measurement procedures when presenting their ethanol result. Measurement uncertainty should be limited with legislative regulations by country-specific scientific committees.

scholarly journals Differences between attendance in emergency care of male and female victims of traffic accidents in Porto alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 3925-3930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Forgiarini Saldanha ◽  
Flavio Pechansky ◽  
Daniela Benzano ◽  
Carlos Alberto Sampaio Martins de Barros ◽  
Raquel Brandini De Boni
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Care ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Driving Under The Influence ◽  
Porto Alegre ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Significant Difference

Driving under the influence of alcohol/ drugs (DUI) is a well-established risk factor for traffic accidents, and men and women have different consumption patterns. The scope of this paper is to analyze differences in alcohol and drug consumption, as well as on behavior associated with traffic accidents among men and women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 609 sequential traffic accident victims attended in emergency care from Porto Alegre. Subjects gave a structured interview, were breathalyzed and had a saliva test for alcohol/drug screening. Results showed that women were mainly passengers or pedestrians (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in positive blood alcohol concentration. However, men reported more binge drinking and THC use, while women had more benzodiazepine in their saliva (p<0.05). This is the first Brazilian study to compare alcohol and drug use among men and women who were the victims of traffic accidents. Results point to differences in the pattern of substance abuse, as well on risk behavior. Data may be useful for specific prevention strategies that take gender differences into consideration.

Task Demand and Alcohol Effects on Simulated Driving Performance

1986 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Ranney ◽  
Valerie J. Gawron
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Experiment ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Driving Performance ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Task Demand ◽  
General Measure ◽  
Alcohol Condition ◽  
Alcohol Impaired Driving ◽  
Driving Task ◽  
Alcohol Effects

The effects of alcohol-impaired driving were hypothesized to vary depending upon the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver and the external demands of the driving situation. To examine the effects of task demand on the performance of drivers under sober and alcohol-dosed conditions, a driving simulation experiment was conducted. Twelve subjects drove a simulator under three levels of BAC and two levels of task demand. The task required negotiation of curves, responses to selected traffic signs and avoidance of unexpected obstacles. Alcohol effects were evident in overall driving performance, in the responses to curves, and in the number of obstacles struck. Increasing the demands of the driving task had no effect on performance in curve approach and negotiation, and influenced only one general measure of driving performance. With the exception of reaction time to signs, increased task demand did not change the effects of alcohol. In the high demand/high alcohol condition, subjects were able to compensate for the increased number of obstacles struck by more efficient responding to signs.

Predicting Alcohol-Impaired Driving among Spanish Youth with the Theory of Reasoned Action

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
José P. Espada ◽  
Kenneth W. Griffin ◽  
María T. Gonzálvez ◽  
Mireia Orgilés
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Theory Of Reasoned Action ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Reasoned Action ◽  
Drunk Driving ◽  
Driving Under The Influence ◽  
Impaired Driving ◽  
Vehicle Accidents ◽  
Young Drivers ◽  
Alcohol Impaired Driving

AbstractAlcohol consumption is a risk factor for motor vehicle accidents in young drivers. Crashes associated with alcohol consumption typically have greater severity. This study examines the prevalence of driving under the influence among Spanish youth and tests the theory of reasoned action as a model for predicting driving under the influence. Participants included 478 Spanish university students aged 17–26 years. Findings indicated that alcohol was the substance most associated with impaired driving, and was involved in more traffic crashes. Men engage in higher levels of alcohol and other drug use, and perceived less risk in drunk driving (p < .01). The study confirms that alcohol use and driving under the influence of alcohol are highly prevalent in Spanish young people, and some gender differences exist in these behaviors (p < .01). Furthermore, the study confirms the validity of theory of reasoned action as a predictive model of driving under the influence of alcohol among youth in Spain (p < .001) and can help in the design of prevention programs.

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