Lyon R, Berry-Cabán CS, Lyon C, Markowski H, Boltinhouse SL. Factors affecting conviction rates of intoxicated driver patients in two large trauma centers.
TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2015;
17:109-113. [PMID:
26042876 DOI:
10.1080/15389588.2015.1045503]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Outcomes from previous studies report the driving under the influence (DUI) conviction rates for trauma patients in several cities within Canada and the United States over the last 2 decades. This study reports charge, conviction, and prosecution rates for trauma patients at 2 level I trauma centers servicing a large metropolitan city.
METHODS
A retrospective review of the trauma databases was completed to identify patients meeting inclusion criteria. Four hundred sixty patients were identified and their records were compared with the district attorney's records for DUI charges and convictions.
RESULTS
The conviction rate for this study was 8.7%, demonstrating continued low rates of conviction despite growing interest and public awareness of drinking and driving.
CONCLUSIONS
We discuss legal considerations that providers should consider when treating patients who have been drinking and driving.
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