New Study Shows a Link Bewteen Early Onset of Drinking and Drug-Related Car Accidents

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol & Drugs, the earlier a young person begins drinking, the greater risk of drug-related car accidents. The researchers surveyed over 40,000 over 18 year old drivers and found that 22% also used drugs, 10% drove under the influence of drugs and 1% had been in drug-related car accidents. Extrapolation of these proportions to the national population would mean 1 million people had been in drug-related crashes.

The research also looked at early age of drinking. They found the the greatest predictor of a drug-related car crash is early onset of drinking. Their conclusion is that the best method for prevention of drug-related car accidents is to increase alcohol abuse prevention in young people.

Age of Drinking Onset, alcohol Depemndemnce and their Relation to Drug Use and Dependence, Driving Under the Influence of drugs, and Motor Vehicle Crash Involvement Because of Drugs. Volume 69, Issue 2 March 2008