YOUNG DRIVERS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ROAD TRAFFIC SAFETY

Abstract

We have to consider the fact that alcohol is a legal drug. The spread of alcohol consumption reflects also in the road traffic safety; nevertheless, alcohol is a significant factor in traffic accidence occurrence, especially in those with serious consequences. In the last few years traffic crashes with fatalities are just following one another and are mostly caused by drivers who consumed alcohol. Adolescents between ages 15 and 24 are one of the most endangered groups of people in traffic, especially drivers and passenger between ages 15 and 24. Adolescents tend to acquire drivers licence as soon as possible in order to enter into drivers’ world. Young drivers as participants in traffic represent a bigger danger as they consume alcohol and drive, than older experienced drivers with the same level of alcohol in blood. We have precisely examined the topic on traffic accidents, young drivers and alcohol intoxication in our country and abroad. We have also carried out a field investigation – conducted a survey in the district Nova Vas - Celje. We came to conclusions which we found very much disturbing as they based on the analysis of results and processed information.

Keywords

• Alcohol
• road traffic safety
• adolescents
• young drivers
• traffic accidents