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Factors affecting conviction rates of intoxicated driver patients in two large trauma centers |
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| Authors: | Regan Lyon Christopher Lyon Helen Markowski Sara L Boltinhouse |
| Institution: | 1. Emergency Department, 51st Medical Operations Squadron, Osan AB, Korea;2. Wood, Smith, Henning &3. Berman, LLP Law Firm, New York, New York;4. Trauma Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio University Hospital, San Antonio, Texas;5. Department of Clinical Investigation, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina |
| 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. |
| Keywords: | alcoholism DUI emergency department trauma |