Alcohol, the elderly, and motor vehicle crashes

To document the prevalence of alcohol or drug use among elderly drivers admitted to a Level 1 trauma center after motor vehicle crashes, charts from 180 drivers age 60 years or older who were admitted to an urban Level 1 trauma center after motor vehicle crashes were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, 14% of the patients had a positive blood alcohol screen; among men, 21% had a positive screen. Only 55% of the patients were discharged to home. Only one patient (<1%) had a toxicology screen positive for another drug of abuse. Alcohol/drug abuse counselling was offered to only one patient. These results suggest a relatively high prevalence of alcohol use in elderly drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes, particularly men. However, abuse of other drugs was uncommon. Physicians treating intoxicated drivers should consider referral for alcohol counselling.