Blood alcohol level test results for drivers and road accident victims, 2019-2021
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Abstract
The study on blood alcohol level testing of drivers and road traffic accident victims during 2019-2021 is a mixed-methods research that aims to investigate the quantitative situation of blood alcohol levels among drivers and road traffic accident victims, and to propose guidelines for the implementation of alcohol testing for all types of drivers. The study population consists of 52,291 drivers and road traffic accident victims during 2019-2021 who were tested for blood alcohol levels as part of the Safe Driving with Confidence: No Alcohol Enforcement Campaign. The blood alcohol level tests were conducted between December 17, 2018 and July 30, 2021. In addition, 85 attendees, including police officers, emergency room nurses, and laboratory personnel, participated in meetings and seminars to exchange knowledge and strengthen the network for a better understanding of alcohol testing for drivers. The data was analyzed using statistical analysis. The study found that out of 52,291 individuals who were instructed by the police to undergo alcohol level testing, the average cost of such testing per year was 14,004,678 baht or an average of 803.47 baht per person. The study also found that the median alcohol level among drivers was 64.00 milligrams percent (IQR 0, 197.5) and that 87.21% of those tested had exceeded the legal limit, mostly males aged 40-44. The study found that the highest proportion of drivers with excessive alcohol levels were motorcyclists and that the highest number of cases occurred in February of each year. Based on these findings, more than 50% of drivers who were involved in road accidents and were instructed by the police to undergo alcohol level testing had exceeded the legal limit. The study recommends that all drivers involved in road accidents or collisions should undergo alcohol level testing. The cost of alcohol level testing is covered by the national health insurance system (National Health Security Office, NHSO) or the individuals who are tested and found to have levels higher than the legal limit are responsible for the cost. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Health should improve the capacity of all general and regional hospitals to perform alcohol level testing.
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