Izvorni znanstveni članak
Alcoholic Drinkers and Road Safety in the Republic of Slovenia
M. Bilban
C. Bilban Jakopin
Sažetak
In this study we were therefore interested in the percentage of road traffic offences
(RTO) and road traffic accidents (RTA) involving inebriated drivers one year before and
one year after the passing of the new Law on Road Traffic Safety (LRTS) as well as measures
(referrals, punishments and final decisions on the revoking of driver’s licences due
to drunk driving).
One year before the passing of the new LRTS, there were 40,702 RTA-s in the Republic
of Slovenia (12.2% caused by drunk drivers). The average alcohol concentration in
exhaled air for those analysed was 1.19 g/kg. One year after the passing of this law
there were 36,479 RTA-s (8.6% caused by drunk drivers). The average alcohol concentration
in exhaled air for those analysed was 1,32 g/kg (the differences were statistically
significant). In 13.8% cases the reason for permorming a measurement of the alcohol
concentration in exhaled aier was an RTA with an average alcohol concentration in
exhaled air of 1.22 g/kg and in 86.2% of cases an RTO with an average alcohol concentration
in exhaled air of 1.25 g/kg (the differences were statistically significant). We
found it interesting that the number of events minvolving lower concentrations decreased,
but the percentage involving higher alcohol concentrations even increased.
The results of this study indicate without a doubt that the law was not successful
enough with its repressive and preventative measures in the field of drunk drivers. Experts
on alcohol believe that punishment cannot make alcoholics and other drivers
abandon their behavioural patterns and stop driving under the influence of alcohol.
This can be achived only by treatment, and the present practice (police – misdenveanour
counts – repeat general medical check-up) has been ineffective as prevention among alcoholic
drivers. We therefore believe that supplemants to the LRTS should be adopted
urgently, that would contribute, through better medical selection, to a reduction in the
number of drunk drivers behind the eheel, both those who are alcohol dependet (and
should be referred to treatment).
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
17205
URI
Datum izdavanja:
16.12.2000.
Posjeta: 1.243 *