Lowering the legal alcohol limits for driving: expected changes in the prevalence of positive tests
Objective: To estimate the increase in the prevalence rate of drivers testing positive for alcohol when lowering the breath alcohol content (BrAC) limit from 0.25 to 0.10 mg/l. Method: A cross-sectional study using a sample of 8320 breath tests from a mandatory roadside random survey conducted on in...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Gaceta Sanitaria |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0213911125000172 |
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| Summary: | Objective: To estimate the increase in the prevalence rate of drivers testing positive for alcohol when lowering the breath alcohol content (BrAC) limit from 0.25 to 0.10 mg/l. Method: A cross-sectional study using a sample of 8320 breath tests from a mandatory roadside random survey conducted on interurban roads in Catalonia in 2019. Results: The percentage of drivers with a BrAC >0.10 mg/L was 3.8% (95%CI: 3.2-4.4), more than twice the percentage with a BrAC >0.25 mg/L (1.6%, 95%CI: 1.2-2.0). Males (4.0%, 95%CI: 3.3-4.6 vs. 1.6%, 95%CI: 1.2-2.0) and those aged over 65 years (4.3%, 95%CI: 2.2-6.4. vs. 0.8%, 95%CI: 0.2-1.5) are particularly impacted by the alcohol limit reduction. Conclusions: This study identifies the groups likely to be most affected by a reduction of the legal BrAC limit, highlighting the need for targeted awareness campaigns on the risks of drinking and driving. Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar el aumento en la prevalencia de conductores positivos en alcohol al reducir el límite permitido de alcohol en aire espirado (AAE) de 0,25 a 0,10 mg/l. Método: Estudio transversal utilizando una muestra aleatoria de 8320 pruebas de alcoholemia obligatorias realizadas en carreteras interurbanas de Cataluña en 2019. Resultados: El porcentaje de conductores con AAE >0,10 mg/l fue del 3,8% (IC95%: 3,2-4,4), más del doble del porcentaje con AAE >0,25 mg/l (1,6%, IC95%: 1,2-2,0). Los hombres (4,0%, IC95%: 3,3-4,6 vs. 1,6%, IC95%: 1,2-2,0) y los mayores de 65 años (4,3%, IC95%: 2,2-6,4 vs. 0,8%, IC95%: 0,2-1,5) resultan particularmente afectados por la reducción del límite de alcohol. Conclusiones: Se identifican los grupos más sensibles a la reducción del límite legal de AAE, destacando la necesidad de campañas de concienciación específicas sobre los riesgos de beber y conducir. |
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| ISSN: | 0213-9111 |