Alcoholic beverage and vehicle direction: the impact of dry low in severity of victims from traffic accidents

Abstract

Annually, millions of people have lost their live due to traffic accidents. In Brazil, the external causes which include this type of trauma, ranks third as the main cause of death. Every traffic accident is influenced by different factors, the highlight to alcohol abuse and its relation with traumatic events. Prevention measures are implemented in the country in order to modify this panorama, as Law 11,705 of 2008, popularly known as "Dry Law" (prohibition law). Research shows the positive impact of this Law on the analysis of different variables. However, the severity of the victims has not been explored in this context. Aiming to fill this knowledge gap, this study will examine the impact of "Dry Law" on severity of victims of traffic accidents and identify factors associated with mortality of patients before and after the implementation of the Law. This is a retrospective study with a quantitative approach of the victims of traffic accidents at the Hospital Clinics in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from January 2006 to December 2010. The primary source is an electronic file consisting of 1,400 patients age equal or over than 14 years, admitted to the hospital within 24 hours of the traumatic event. Demographic variables related to the characteristics and severity of trauma partner will be addressed and submitted to statistical analysis. The relevance of this study is guided by the shortage of research on the topic and the ability to provide data to assist in the development and implantation of public strategies aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality rates from traffic accidents.