English summary: CHANGED ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION REFLECTED IN DRINK-DRIVING AMONGST YOUNG DRIVERS

Background

The aims of the study were to investigate the incidence and trends of suspected drink-driving during the nineteen years between 1989 and 2007 according to age and sex in Finland.

Methods

The data included all suspected drink-driving cases in Finland between 1989 and 2007. Cases involving illegal or medical drugs were excluded. The data were limited to motorized road traffic. The annual incidence per 1000 population was calculated according to sex and age.

Results

The changes in the number of drink-driving cases followed changes in the trends in economic development and changes in overall alcohol consumption. These changes were most pronounced amongst 18- to 19-year-olds in whom the incidence halved between 1990 and 1994. The proportion of drink-drivers who were women almost doubled from 6.5% to 11% of all cases. The incidence of drink-driving in those aged over fifty years increased 2.5-fold. Most events took place during weekend nights.

Conclusions

Young men aged 18 to 19 years are still at the highest risk of committing drink-driving offences. Alcohol consumption features more prominently driving offences in the young than in other drivers. Preventative measures in healthcare should be targeted at youths close to the legal age of driving. Road checks are required, especially at weekends, on national holidays and late at night.