This study aims at investigating the association between alcohol and meal consumption and the risk of RTCs using intrapersonal comparisons of subjects while driving.

Materials and Methods:

Drivers admitted to an emergency room (ER) after RTAs in 2016 were interviewed about personal, vehicle, and crash characteristics as well as hourly patterns of driving, and alcohol and food intake in the 24 hours before the crash.

Results:

Of 574 patients enrolled, 326 (56.8%) reported previous driving from 6 to 18 hours before the RTC and were eligible for analysis. The ORs (mutually adjusted) were 2.25 (95%CI 1.11–4.57) for alcohol and 0.94 (0.47–1.88) for meals. OR for alcohol was already increased at low (1–2 units) doses – 2.17 (1.03–4.57) and the trend of increase for each unit was significant – 1.64 (95%CI 1.05–2.57).