Media Release

CONTACT: Jay Buechner, Ph.D., 401-222-2550
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: April 29, 1998

Department of Health Reports on Motor Vehicle Injuries:  Almost Half of Deaths Involve Alcohol and Drugs

The Rhode Island Department of Health has released its comprehensive study, "Motor Vehicle Injury Report," which highlights motor vehicle crash patterns in the state for 1995.

According to Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, the Department Director, "Although deaths and injuries from motor vehicle injuries are down, there is still much to do to reduce these tragic events further."

Some key findings in the report are:

• Motor vehicle crashes kill more people than any other type of unintentional injuries.
• Motor vehicle deaths have decreased by half from 1987-1995.
• The crash death rate is highest among young males.
• Rural areas had the highest reported rates of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) runs for motor vehicle injuries.
• Reported safety belt use is lowest among young adults.
• Almost half of motor vehicle crash deaths involved drug and alcohol use, including pedestrian victims.

"This study is compelling evidence of the deadly consequences that can result from mixing driving with alcohol and drugs, and from not wearing seat belts," said Dr. Nolan. "These are Rhode Island statistics on events happening on Rhode Island roads. The health and welfare of Rhode Islanders - both drivers and pedestrians alike - can be significantly improved by paying attention to the lessons of this report."

The report is being distributed throughout the state to many individuals and groups, including police chiefs, trauma physicians, hospital emergency department directors, fire chiefs, and highway safety advocacy groups, as well as state legislators and congressmen.

Additional information, and copies of the report, can be obtained from Dr. Jay Buechner, Chief of Health Statistics, Rhode Island Department of Health at (401) 222-2550.

For speech or hearing impaired, 1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us