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Evaluating the Brazilian zero tolerance drinking and driving law: Time series analyses of traffic-related mortality in three major cities |
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| Authors: | Fernando Madalena Volpe Roberto Marini Ladeira Rosely Fantoni |
| Institution: | 1. Hospital Foundation of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil;2. Health Promotion &3. Violence Prevention Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil;4. Health Promotion &5. Road and Traffic Department of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil |
| Abstract: | Objective: A zero tolerance alcohol restriction law was adopted in Brazil in 2008. In order to assess the effectiveness of this intervention, the present study compares specific mortality in 2 time series: 1980–2007 and 2008–2013. Methods: Data on mortality and population were gathered from official Brazilian Ministry of Health information systems. Segmented regression analyses were carried out separately for 3 major Brazilian capitals: Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Results: In 2 cities (Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro) there were no significant changes in mortality rate trends in 2 periods, 1980 to 2007 and 2008 to 2013, where the observed rates did not differ significantly from predicted rates. In São Paulo, a decreasing trend until 2007 unexpectedly assumed higher levels after implementation of the law. Conclusion: There is no evidence of reduced traffic-related mortality in the 3 major Brazilian capitals 5.5 years after the zero tolerance drinking and driving law was adopted. |
| Keywords: | Traffic accidents law enforcement driving accident prevention alcohol drinking Brazil |