Post-mortem blood alcohol concentration of the traffic accident victims and changes in DUI legislation in Slovenia 1980–2006

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to the analysis of the impact of alcohol consumption on road traffic safety in Slovenia and to evaluate the effectiveness of the changes in road traffic safety legislation concerning this issue within the period 1980–2006. For this purpose we have performed a retrospective analysis of 1913 autopsy reports on traffic casualties, with an emphasis on their blood alcohol concentration (BAC), mode of participation in traffic (drivers, pedestrians, etc.) and the impact of legislation changes. In addition, we have analysed the relations between BAC, the time and day of death and the gender of victims. Changes in the legislation were made in 1981, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1998 and 2005, yet only those made in 1981, 1990 and 1998 resulted in the increase of the actual fines. Within the observed period there was a substantial reduction in the average BAC in almost all of the categories of traffic participants (pedestrians: from 1.20 to 0.73; passengers: from 1.08 to 0.56; cyclists: from 1.11 to 0.56; motorcyclists: from 0.68 to 0.33) except in the category of drivers (negligible reduction from 0.81 to 0.76). Insufficient improvement in the latter category is extremely important, because many sober vulnerable traffic participants become victims of drunk drivers. Further concern arises from the finding that heavily drinking drivers are not responsive to penalty increases. We came to the conclusion that, in addition to raising fines and expanding penalty points, the introduction and effective enforcement of complex legislative measures together with wide community action are necessary to resolve DUI problems in Slovenia.