Alcohol intoxication and its influence on road traffic accidents: a hospital based study from Pondicherry, India

Background: Driving under the influence of alcohol has caused a substantial number of traffic accidents. Alcohol consumption is a well-known contributor to road traffic injuries worldwide. Pondicherry is a city with a high and rising rate of road traffic-related injuries. It has generally been regarded as a region with high alcohol consumption. Aims: To examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and road traffic accidents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study. From May 25, 2018, to August 22, 2018, treated in emergency rooms were analysed. A survey with a semi structured format was administered. During the study period, 329 patients involved in motor vehicle accidents were interviewed. The data were collected in ODK, exported to a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, and analysed via SPSS version 16. Various study variables are represented in the results as percentages. The chi-square test was used to analyse the relationship. Results: Among our patients, 54% consumed alcohol. Among the 329 patients, 117 (35.5%) had fatal injuries. There was a significant association between alcohol consumption and victimization (χ² = 12.84, p < 0.0003). An association between alcohol intake and accident outcomes (fatal and nonfatal) among drivers was observed (χ² = 29.88, p < 0.00001). There was a significant association between alcohol intake and accident outcomes (fatal and nonfatal) among nondrivers (χ² = 6.806, p < 0.009). Conclusion: Accidents involving motor vehicles were more prevalent among younger age groups and males. To increase the effectiveness of alcohol prevention interventions, a multifaceted strategy focusing on these dimensions should be implemented. The incidence of road traffic accidents can be reduced by emphasizing the use of seat belts, avoiding the consumption of alcohol by drivers, and ensuring that roads are adequately lit, all of which can reduce the incidence of road traffic accidents.