The Relationship Between Alcohol Use, Blood Alcohol Concentration, and Road Traffic Accidents: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of road traffic accidents (RTAs) worldwide is a significant cause of death, with alcohol being a considerable risk factor. This scoping review aims to assess the prevalence of alcohol use among RTA victims and explore factors influencing these accidents. METHODOLOGY: Using PubMed and Google Scholar, studies on alcohol intake and its association with RTAs were identified, focusing on observational or exploratory quantitative research published in English-language peer-reviewed journals, examining country, setting, prevalence, and blood alcohol concentration levels. RESULTS: A total of 33 studies (2005-2024) were included, with 2 focusing on RTA prevalence among alcohol users and 31 on alcohol use among RTA victims. Studies were predominantly retrospective. The prevalence of alcohol use among RTA victims varied between 18% and 78%, with higher rates in countries where alcohol is legal. Male RTA victims and pedestrians were more likely to have alcohol in their system, with many exceeding legal BAC limits. CONCLUSION: Alcohol use is highly prevalent among individuals involved in RTAs and severity is exacerbated by BAC levels exceeding legal limits; and pedestrians are equally vulnerable. Strengthening enforcement, preventive measures, and advanced technologies, along with global policies, can reduce alcohol-related accidents.